RENFREWSHIRE will be full of Christmas cheer this winter with festive characters making appearances in the town centres on select Saturdays in November and December.

Cheeky elves, giant nutcrackers and Christmas candles will be among the characters visiting Johnstone and Renfrew this winter to entertain locals and visitors.

They’ll be handing out tokens that can be exchanged in local businesses for special offers or discounts, giving residents a chance to get a head start on their Christmas shopping.

Johnstone Sound will be on site at the Houstoun Square bandstand playing all the festive favourites, while Paisley FM will be broadcasting live in Renfrew.

Residents can meet the festive characters in Johnstone on November 27 and December 11, and in Renfrew on December 4 and December 18 between noon and 4pm.

Pauline Allan, events manager for Renfrewshire Council said: “We are looking forward to bringing festive fun to Johnstone and Renfrew town centres this winter.

“Supporting our local businesses has never been so important and this is a great opportunity to do just that – while taking advantage of the special offers and discounts that will be available. There are some real hidden gems in our communities and I’m sure everyone will be able to find that special Christmas gift in our town centres this year.

“There will be a great festive atmosphere with local radio stations on site and with activity running over two Saturdays in each town centre there is a chance for everyone to come and enjoy the fun at a time that suits them.”

To find out more, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/festive-fun.