Coalville residents are being encouraged to celebrate Christmas by shopping local and enjoying Covid-safe town centre activities - despite the cancellation of traditional annual events.

North West Leicestershire District Council has confirmed that Christmas in Coalville will not go ahead this year due to coronavirus restrictions - but instead has invited residents to take part in a series of activities across the district through its Spend Local, Shop Safe, Support North West Leicestershire campaign.

More than 40 shops in Coalville and Ashby have registered to take part in an online Christmas Window competition and shoppers will be able to visit each business to vote for their favourite display and be in with a chance of winning local shop gift vouchers.

From Friday, December 4, over 100 Santas will also be displayed in shop and business windows across the district, and children will be encouraged to find at least 10 to enter the Have You Seen Santa online competition.

Winners will receive vouchers to spend in local shops in Coalville, Ashby, Castle Donington, Ibstock, Kegworth, Measham, and Whitwick.

Both competitions run from 4 to 20 December and votes and entries can be submitted HERE

To replace the Coalville Rotary Club's annual Santa Sleigh Tour around Coalville which has been cancelled, the district council will launch its own Christmas Themed Fridays and Saturdays in the town throughout December where families will be able to wave at Santa and Elfie from a Covid-safe distance.

Santa and Elfie will be in Coalville, off Belvoir Road, at the entrance to Belvoir Shopping Centre on the following dates: December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19.

Santa will also be in Ashby on December 5, 12 and 24 on Market Street, organised by the Rotary Clubs of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council.

There was no event for the Christmas lights switch on in Coalville this year, but decorative lights have been installed in the town centre and were illuminated on Thursday, November 26.

Festive characters designed by the council including Santa, Elfie and Rudolf will be displayed on lamp posts and street furniture in Coalville, Ashby and larger villages across the district to encourage residents and visitors to continue to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "Whilst it's disappointing that we're not able to celebrate together at events such as Christmas in Coalville, it's really important we still pull together to support our local businesses – and have some fun while we're doing it.

"These extra festive competitions and activities are one small way we can still help to bring festive cheer to our town and villages.

"From December 2, shops will be able to re-open under the new Tier 3 restrictions so please remember the hands, face, space message which continues to be essential.

"As we continue to make our preparations for Christmas, let's all make a conscious effort to shop local and continue to help keep our high streets, local villages and towns open for business."