HIGH street shops which have injected some festive cheer into Newport with dazzling windows have been recognised through Argus-backed awards.

Newport department store Wildings in Commercial Street this year scooped the best retail shop gong at our annual Christmas shop window competition run with the Chamber of Commerce.

Scissorhands won the commercial premises award and the Love Fresh stall, off Upper Dock Street, was recognised with a Newport Market award.

Meanwhile, St David’s Hospice Care was handed a mayor’s award and Kingsway Shopping Centre and its Santa’s grotto was recognised with a special award.

Wildings staff were yesterday said to be delighted to have received the award, as they prepared to mark their 140th year in Newport in 2014.

Store manager Sally Ford, 47, said: “Our window display team started preparations back in the summer, thinking about the lights, colour scheme and fixtures.

“Wildings is known to our wonderful customers for the breadth and scale of products that we sell.

“Our windows are dressed very much like an emporium and are designed to highlight some of the thousands of gift ideas we have in store. We try to dazzle.

“We are thrilled, delighted and humbled that everybody voted for us and would like to thank our customers for their continued support.”

Meanwhile, Newport mayor Cliff Suller presented creative children with Christmas card competition winners.

Bassaleg School pupil Callum McCorquodale won first prize and fellow school pupil Steph Watkins scooped the second prize in the over 11 category.

In the 10 years and under category, 11th Newport West Rainbows received the first prize, followed by Caerleon Endowed School student Ellie Povall, while a special commendation went to Milton Junior Charlotte-Mae Sweetland.