HAYES shop owners are getting into the festive spirit and decorating their store windows as part of a shopfront improvement scheme.

Thirty businesses are taking part in the scheme which Hillingdon Council is running with retail specialists International Visual Ltd to help boost business.

Twenty shops took part in the Christmas window dressing competition, which was judged on Monday.

The winning entry was from Rupinder Singh, of World Wines, Station Road, who was awarded a certificate and £100 prize by Cllr Keith Burrows, cabinet member for planning, transportation and recycling.

Mr Singh said: “It’s been very nice to receive so many compliments from customers about the look of the window.”

The visual merchandising programme is available over the next two years to 200 independent businesses in Hayes and Northwood Hills and is being introduced in Ruislip Manor in January.

The impact will be measured at four, 12 and 26-week intervals.

Businesses may also be eligible for a grant of up to £4,800 to improve their shopfronts from the Outer London Fund.

Information on the shopfront grant scheme, including eligibility, is available at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres or call 01895 250461.