THIRTY independent retailers are set to battle it out to decide who has the most attractive window display.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Dressed for Success scheme returns for its fourth year in the run-up to Christmas, giving shopowners expert advice on how to make the most of their window displays.

Traders taking part in the scheme receive one-to-one tuition from a visual merchandising specialist at Metamorphosis to attract more customers and boost sales.

From December 4 shoppers can follow a trail of participating shops around the city and vote for their favourite Christmas window display via the council’s Facebook page.

Voting closes at midday on December 23 and awards for the most popular displays will be presented in January.

Retailers from Portslade to Kemp Town are taking part in this year’s scheme, selling everything from food, fashion and flowers to toys, gifts, homewares and wine.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the city council’s economic development and culture committee, said: “Brighton and Hove is renowned for its fantastic selection of independent shops and it is one of the attractions of shopping in the city.

“However, independent retailers usually don’t have the access to window dressing specialists that the big chain stores do, and that is where the Dressed for Success scheme comes in – providing expert tips and advice to create fantastic eye-catching displays.”

For more information visit brighton-hove.gov.uk/dressedforsuccess.