The town's Mayor and MP were joined by Santa today as they spread some Christmas cheer and thanked local businesses on their 'Buy a Gift in Kenilworth' day

MP for Kenilworth and Southam Jeremy Wright joined the Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Richard Dickson, and Father Christmas today (Saturday, December 12) on a short tour of the town centre as they encouraged residents to Buy a Gift in Kenilworth.

The event in Kenilworth today follows weeks of encouragement from various outlets in the town encouraging people to support local wherever they can this December.

Today Mr Wright and Cllr Dickson visited a number of Kenilworth businesses, including Coffee on the Corner, The Orangery and Samaritan's Pre-Loved Emporium, to wish them well and thank them for their tireless work this year.

Mr Wright said "There has never been a more important year to make my annual call to everyone to buy at least one present locally if you can."

Also running in Kenilworth today was the Scout Post in Talisman Square, as well as bicycle security tagging at the Kenilworth Centre, and the Round Table's Santa Sleigh (leading to an inopportune moment when there were two Father Christmases on Warwick Road).

Mr Wright and Cllr Dickson also visited some of the Christmas trees entered in this year's competition, as well as displays entered in the town council's Shop Window Competition.

Free parking in all district council car parks has been extended throughout December, however in order to encourage as many cyclists as possible, the town council had also arranged for free, secure parking at the Kenilworth Centre today.

Cllr Andrew Milton who chairs Kenilworth Town Council's cycling group said "We're hoping this is a chance for us to both support our local retailers but also encourage people to travel by sustainable means.

"We're really grateful to everyone who's got involved – local coffee shops, residents, the police and my fellow councillors. It's a small way for us to show that Kenilworth can be a cycle-friendly town."

The first 100 cyclists to use the facility today were given a free coffee voucher to be used at Coffee on the Corner, Ardens, Forrest and Delightful Desserts.

Today's event, although small, demonstrates how the community spirit in Kenilworth remains present even when the usual festivities have had to be cancelled.