SHOPS, restaurants, pubs and cafes in Taunton are enjoying the Christmas rush as people flock into the town centre.

Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne joined the local Federation of Small Businesses to give his support to local retailers.

Mr Browne said: “December is the most crucial month of the year for most retailers – they rely on the Christmas rush to keep their businesses in good shape.

“Taunton is a popular town for Christmas shopping. It is a good size – big enough to have a wide range of shops but small enough to be able to get round.

“Shops in every town in Britain have struggled with the economic situation and the rise of internet shopping but Taunton, despite having some empty shops, has done better than many other towns.”