Bracing winter-time walks along the seafront are often coupled with a jaunt round the shops for many visitors – and that suits traders just fine.

Even in the coldest months, Felixstowe uses its best assets to attract people to enjoy a day by the sea and to browse its many independent shops – from butchers to bakers, bookshops to clothes stores, gift shops to restaurants.

The resort’s colourful Christmas lights and the centrepiece tree on The Triangle were switched on last weekend and now traders are looking forward to their busiest time in the run-up to the big day.

Deputy mayor Doreen Savage said the town had some “absolute gems” among its many independent shops.

She said: “I know it’s been a tough few years for the high street but here in Felixstowe we have actually seen new shops opening during those difficult days and that has been wonderful. I admire them so much and I hope they reap their rewards this Christmas.

“We are blessed with so many lovely independent shops alongside the chain stores – real niche shops, offering a great range of interesting gifts and goods.

“I always do all my Christmas shopping in Felixstowe, not online and not outside the town – and I would encourage other people to do the same and to support our local traders and small businesses.”

There is a Victorian Christmas Market today from 10am to noon at St John’s Church, Orwell Road.