INDEPENDENT shops are getting involved in a treasure trail scheme which aims to boost trade outside the city centre this Christmas.

The Stamp'n'Win Christmas Shopping Trail, organised by Hove Business Association (HBA), is a fun way to increase awareness of Hove and Portslade retailers.

Shoppers who take part in the trail can win a host of donated prizes including jewellery, hampers, bouquets and the main prize of £500 cash.

Jill Humphrey, chairwoman of HBA, said: “The diversity of our independent retailers in Hove and Portslade is truly amazing.

“Last year the trail brought a lot of people into the area who discovered shops they didn’t know existed and increased income.”

A total of 50,000 maps of the trail will be distributed on Brighton and Hove buses and in a variety of public spaces around the city.

Consumers will need 12 unique stamps from different retailers to be in with a chance of winning one of the many prizes.

Svetozar Zarko, 27, of Altjeringa, Palmeira Square, said: “I love games and this is great because it’s not your normal promotion.

“I hope it will make Christmas be happy and joyful.”

Artist Oskar Doughty, 37, of Goldstone Gallery, said: “I’ve been working in a basement studio in deepest, darkest Hove until recently and I'm looking forward to getting awareness and footfall in our new space.”

Other independent retailers taking part include Cave au Fromage and Fairy Dust. The artwork for the event was created through a competition of school children to find a winning poster.

Three young artists were chosen out the entries from each age range - Charlie Pearce, under five, Maddy McLeod, 9, and Isobel Faller, 10.

Overall winner Miss Faller will turn on the Christmas lights in Hove on Thursday, which will also mark the start of the Stamp'n'Win trail.

It runs from Thursday until end of trading on Christmas Eve and the winner will be announced on January 8 alongside a special tour of the trail.