CHRISTMAS trading brought mixed fortunes for the town's traders, some of whom enjoyed a bumper countdown to the festive season while for others it turned out to be a disappointing end to the year.

"We've had a lovely time," said Jill Towner, from Trevor Towner Jewellers on the High Street, where business couldn't be better.

"Customers have been cheerful and complimentary about how the shop looks and we are fortunate that people seem to be shopping locally," said Mrs Towner, who has celebrated 27 years in Petersfield.

"Whether it is the price of petrol and high car parking charges in other areas, I'm not sure."

And she predicts that despite the doom and gloom of the economy, trading next year could be even better thanks to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.