TRADERS in Petersfield are leading the way with their environmentally friendly 'Green Christmas'. The newly-formed Association of Petersfield Businesses (APB) unveiled plans for its Christmas festivities and working towards a greener environment at a meeting in the Festival Hall. It is planning a procession through the town with a 'green' theme, an evening of entertainment in The Square with stalls selling local or green produce, and entertainment on a stage. The green Christmas event, which has the backing of Greening Petersfield campaign leader Terena Plowright, is on December 7. "We wanted to link the businesses with 'Greening' and this seemed like a fun way to raise the subject," said Guy Cheeseman, chairman of the APB Christmas committee. "Businesses need to learn that being green also saves money, and that makes business sense." A challenge card drawn up by Energy Footprint, the Petersfield-based energy consultants, will also be given to all town businesses so that they can commit to make five simple changes that will start to 'green' their businesses. The Paul Martin Design Company, which created the Association of Petersfield Businesses logo, has developed a special version for Christmas 2007, combining the key element of a leaf in the Greening campaign and the association logo. "This carries a strong clear message to everyone," said Guy. "It represents the Christmas festivities and a commitment to working towards a greener environment. Working in partnership with the Greening campaign is bringing advantages including opportunities for free business advice." He told the meeting that the association had decided to use the Christmas festivities this year to support Petersfield Scouts. Association chairman Trevor Boyden said the Christmas sub-committee had developed an inspirational evening. "They are putting a lot of effort into supporting local business and they give all their time for free. This is truly a community of businesses working together to make a difference, which is exactly what the association was set up to achieve in the first place," he added. Organisers are inviting organisations and businesses in a 26-mile radius of Petersfield to take part in the Christmas procession. In keeping with the green theme, no vehicles will be allowed but bicycles, wheelchairs and any other green form of transport will be welcomed. The Christmas committee will also be looking at imaginative ways of lighting and providing sound for the procession, which will head through the town and end up in The Square for a prizegiving ceremony. Organisers hope The Square will be packed with festive stalls while performers from Petersfield schools and societies will showcase their talents on the stage. Mrs Plowright said: "It's brilliant that Petersfield businesses have taken the green message on board – it is exactly what Greening is all about, business linking with the community it serves. "I think this is a brilliant example of green being fun and imaginative, yet demonstrating practical solutions." Organisers are looking for help from volunteers, including marshalling the procession on the evening. Anyone interested should contact Scott and Lisa (procession) on 01730 263297, Jayne Riley (entertainment) on 01730 710471, 01730-265522 (market stall), Terena Plowright (Greening campaign) 0776 0442167.