COLOURFUL cotton bags have been launched to encourage people to support local traders.

Knutsford Town Council has unveiled the initiative as the Christmas season approaches.

The bag includes many special items residents associate with the town such as May Day and penny farthings.

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Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council’s town centre and marketing officer, said: “We are delighted to offer these bags for sale and are looking forward to spotting them around the town in the coming months.

"You could buy the bag alongside a Knutsford voucher and give a complete gift of Knutsford this year."

The bag is designed by local agency Boxed Red Marketing, costs £3.50 and can be folded up to carry into town in your pocket.

It is available to buy from The Tea Room, Cheshire Quality, Hal Whittaker, Mr Simms Old Sweet Shoppe, and at Knutsford Town Council offices.

Harriet Henry, owner of The Tea Room on King Street, said: “We love these bags and are looking forward to selling them alongside a cup of tea and a slice of cake."

Profits made by the Town Council in selling the bags are being reinvested in projects to attract more shoppers and visitors into the town centre.