A BESPOKE display featuring a vintage moped helped a boutique shop race to victory in a contest to find the best-dressed festive window.

Imi Loa in Western Road, Hove, was crowned overall winner of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Dress for Success contest with its eye-catching take on an alternative petrol-driven and retro Santa sledge.

In total, five winning shops shared various accolades from the 28 independent retailers across the city which took part.

Also celebrating at the awards were staff from Vintage Workshop in St George’s Road, Brighton, which won the irresistible image and most theatrical display awards.

Also in Brighton, Eco Makers Emporium in London Road won the most visually stunning award, Merlin and Ellis in St James’s Street was named best silent seller and Pardon My French in St George’s Road was named best transformation.

Imi Loa, which also won the cleverest concept award for the use of the bike, which was later sold to a motorcycle collector, won a year’s free partnership with VisitBrighton.

Voting for the awards took place between December 4 and 23, with five of the awards decided by a public vote of more than 2,200 people. Two awards were judged by retail trainers Metamorphosis, which helped tutor participating shops in the Christmas run-up.

Clare Morris-Coole, who runs Imi Loa with business partner Damien Compain, said she was delighted and surprised to win ahead of a talented field of competitors.

She added: “We try to be as creative as possible with our window displays to make people stop and react.

“The training gave us some fresh ideas and practical tips and taking part in the competition was an incentive to push ourselves further.”

Ellie Kidson, from Metamorphosis, said: “This year’s winner, Imi Loa, has an impactful display conjuring a feeling of nostalgia and wonder through their fabulous use of props, dramatic lighting and exquisite styling.”