Businesses are being invited to compete by showing off their festive spirit in Helensburgh.

The new competition for window displays has been launched to encourage customers shopping local in the run-up to Christmas.

Helensburgh Business Group, working with Helensburgh Winter Festival, invited town firms to join the Helensburgh Festive Window Display Competition.

Dr. Wendy Hamilton, who put on a display in her Grasshopper Toys window last year, and represents the Helensburgh Business Group, said: "Helensburgh is a very pretty town with an array of wonderful independent and national shops.

"We wanted to bring the businesses together this Christmas to make the most of our shop windows. We hope the residents and visitors to the town have fun choosing their favourite windows."

And Gail Broadhurst, chair of the Winter Festival, praised businesses for getting involved in the upcoming festivities, adding that they are "bringing fun and excitement to the windows of the high street".

Firms interested in entering the competition should email Wendy at wendy@grasshoppertoys.co.uk to register before November 30.

READ MORE: Helensburgh and Lochside Helping Others in Christmas appeal

Once it's formally launched, the public can vote for their favourite festive window display.

And the winner will be announced on Saturday, December 23.

As well as the prestige of winning and engaging with the local community even more this season, there will also be prizes for the top three windows, said organisers.

It promises to be a delight around the town as everyone shows off their creativity for customers and residents.

Councillor Fiona Howard said: "Our local businesses are a vital part of what makes Helensburgh so special at Christmas. I am excited to see the wonderful Christmas window displays the local businesses will create.

"I would like to appeal to all our local residents to visit Helensburgh this Christmas and spend locally, as the vitality of the town is dependent upon residents supporting local businesses."