THREE York businesses are starring in a Christmas campaign that encourages the nation to support their local High Street this Christmas.

Appleton's Butchers, on Lendal, Botanic, a botanically-themed shop on Walmgate, and fragrance and natural skincare brand Bath House, which has a shop on Low Petergate, all feature in Visa's campaign, which turns the spotlight on 100 independent retailers across the UK through billboards and social media advertising in the run-up to Christmas.

They are among 11 independents across Yorkshire that have been included in the campaign.

Appleton's Butchers is a well-established traditional pork butcher and pie maker with shops in Wetherby, Boroughbridge. Ripon as well as York and has been in business since 1867.

An advert highlighting Appleton's is now displayed on Leeman Road.

Isabel Sterne, owner of Appleton’s alongside husband Anthony, said: “As a small business, I never expected in a million years to have my face and shop on a billboard.

"We can’t thank Visa enough for choosing us to be part of the campaign. It is fantastic to receive this support for the High Street and independent retailers. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new to our shop over the festive season.”

Sara Brown, assistant manager at Bath House' s York shop, added: "There is going to be a billboard going up on December 1 for two weeks. it's going on Newborough Street.

"It's wonderful to be chosen, we're really excited about it."

Visa is switching the focus of the traditional format of a Christmas marketing campaign, from what people are buying or who they are buying for to where they are buying, encouraging shoppers to support their high streets, independent retailers and local communities this year.

The festive campaign features real shopkeepers.

The local billboards and social media advertising are an extension of Visa’s Christmas campaign.