It's a Christmas time like no other, especially for independent retailers in mid Wales like Celtic Company and Cotton in Welshpool.

They say it's more important than ever to support the local High Street in the lead up to one of their key selling periods - Christmas.

Since March there have been two national lockdowns which has created a turbulent time for many town centres across the county.

That's why people are being encouraged to rethink about buying gifts through Amazon and other large retailers, and instead buy locally from independent shops.

Welshpool clothing boutique Cotton is run by Megan Varley. She said that what makes small businesses special is that they "go the extra mile" for their customers.

"Small businesses need support more than ever after losing out on months of trade. In my case, if you shop with me you are getting a hand selected collection which is unique and exclusive in the area to me so makes the purchase extra special.

"If you support locals you are contributing to an individual's livelihood and helping them put food on the table".

Megan, who celebrated her boutique's first anniversary in November, said she has had to adapt her online business as a way to overcome the effects of lockdown.

"I am finding that the online business has grown so much during the pandemic from social media to website.

"Just please support local this Christmas, the effects of the pandemic on small businesses is far from over and we need the local community to get behind us to ensure there will be a high street to come back to after all this is over."

Rachel Owen took ownership of award-winning Welshpool gift shop Celtic Company six weeks before the first lockdown in January.

"After this year we're just really thankful and grateful we've got our doors open and customers can come in and see us.

"It really means a lot when we get somebody coming into the shop instead of doing an online order. I think this year more than any other it's important to support our high street and make sure businesses survive and stay there in the next few years to come.

"It's always the small business that go the extra mile for everybody. People have realised that in lockdown and are coming out to support us.

"We've been surprised by how busy we've been since reopening and how many people are coming in to say they were wanting to support local shops."