A BRIDGE OF WEIR business has received glowing praise for its impressive festive window display.

Hardware store W. Gibb Stuart Limited was declared the winner of a Christmas competition which saw businesses across Scotland and the north of England compete by producing window displays that were a mini-winter wonderland.

The contest was organised by Home Hardware (Scotland) Ltd, with more than 60 member shops taking part.

Irene Cross, marketing manager of Home Hardware (Scotland) Ltd, told The Gazette: “We were delighted with the response and the high level of entries but Gibb Stuart’s was a cut above the rest.”

As a reward for his winning window display, Sandy Gibb Stuart was presented with a music turntable.

The family run business is over 130 years old and moved to a purpose built store, which was opened in 1993, this is now being run by the fourth generation, with help from the fifth, who have introduced up to date systems and a new website.

A delighted Sandy said: “It’s always nice to be recognised for hard work and effort. Our Christmas windows every year is part of the fun element of retailing.

"The planning starts as early as the previous January when we visit the trade fairs to buy that year's range but sometimes things get cancelled on us and we have to make last minute changes.

"We received lots of nice compliments from customers and the occasional Bah Humbug."