An Ipswich hair salon has said it is "delighted" after receiving an award celebrating its festive shop window design.

Baiss & Co on St Peter's Street scooped The Saints Christmas Window Competition - a local business award created by The Saints group in a bid to make the area look as festive as possible.

The prize - a wooden trophy created by local craftsman Trevor Jarrold - was presented to Simon Blowers, manager and owner of the hair salon, in front of the town's Mayor John Cook, and councillor Carole Jones.

Ipswich Star: Baiss and Co shop won the award for their festive shop frontBaiss and Co shop won the award for their festive shop front (Image: Cathy Frost)

Speaking on the business' success, Mr Blowers said: "We're delighted to receive the award. 

"We decorate our shop window every year and it gets us a lot of recognition - people even stop to take photographs of it!

"The idea of this award is lovely.

"It's good for the community and it creates a feel-good spirit at a time when we really need it."

Ipswich Star: Simon Blower celebrates winning the awardSimon Blower celebrates winning the award (Image: Contributed)

The competition was open to businesses on both St Peter's and St Nicholas Street.

On its impact on the area, Mr Blowers added: "This is a beautiful area and the people are wonderful. 

"Initiatives like this help to make it look as Christmassy as possible and add to the character of the town.

"We hope it inspires people for next year."

The award was launched for the first time this year, but co-organiser Cathy Frost - owner of Loveone gift shop and co-director of The Saints group - now plans to build on its success and make it a yearly event.

"This was all about celebrating our community at Christmas," she said.

"We wanted to give something back while also giving people something nice to look at.

Ipswich Star: Councillor Carole Jones alongside Ipswich Mayor Cllr John CookCouncillor Carole Jones alongside Ipswich Mayor Cllr John Cook (Image: Contributed)

"With everything that's happening at the moment, we thought it would be especially nice this year.

"Going forward, we definitely want to make it an annual competition."

Councillors John Cook and Carole Jones said: "We spent a wonderful hour or so admiring The Saints' shop window displays.

"There were so many amazing choices and it was very hard to pick the best!"