THREE new businesses have started up in Cockermouth town centre, a pub has reopened and plans have been submitted for another new enterprise - providing a much-needed boost for traders in the run up to Christmas.

A dog grooming parlour has opened on Crown Street, while a beer shop is welcoming customers in Market Place and a pizza cafe has moved on to Main Street. Plans have also been submitted this week for a Thai massage business in Station Street.

Amber Sullivan has taken over at The Bush Inn, on Main Street.

Andrew Marshall, of Strolling 4 Shoes, said: "We have had our best year ever this year and there's been lots going on in the run up to Christmas which has been great for the town.

"There are only a few empty shops in town which is great to see, it would be great if we could get a full high street."

Andrew was one of the team behind the Spirit of Christmas, a late night shopping event. Town businesses have also rallied round to create a fabulous festive hamper which includes gifts, goodies and vouchers worth more than £1,500.

"The Spirit of Christmas was excellent, there was a lovely atmosphere," said Andrew.

"The Christmas hamper has also attracted lots of interest. It's great to have traders united, we want to build on that and have everyone working together."

Sharon Nicholson and her daughter Lucy have opened The Dog Room.

"It's been great, people have been so supportive," said Sharon.

"We had been working part-time from home but I'm so glad we took the risk and moved into town."

Kelly Barbenson and Alastair Kirk have opened

Beer Cockermouth. The couple have another shop in Ambleside and brewery near Hawkshead

They sell a selection of beers, including ones from Cumbria, as well the UK, Europe and America.

In the future they will be offering tasting rooms and customers the opportunity to refill bottles.

"We like Cockermouth, there's a good community feel," said Kelly. "Everyone is friendly and supportive."

Amber Sullivan has taken over at The Bush, which closed earlier this year.

"Everyone has been so welcoming, I love the town," she said.

"There's a great community atmosphere and everyone wants to get involved, which is great."

She is planning to do up the function room so it can be hired out and used by local groups.

Plans have been submitted for a Thai massage business.

Mr and Mrs Ian Atkinson, of Maryport, have applied to Allerdale Council for change of use of the Station Street property, which has been used as an office.

Their application states they will be running "a thai spa, offering all types of traditional thai massage techniques including oil massage, facial, leg massage and therapeutic massage".

Trader Jonty Chippendale said: "New businesses are the lifeblood of a market town. We always welcome new shops into the town centre, the sooner some of those former banks are occupied the better."