As the new crisp weather descends, what better time is there to re-stock your wardrobe? And with independent businesses-aplenty throughout the borough, offering everything from a new cosy knit to the bridal gown of your dreams, why go anywhere other than Copeland for your fashion fancies?

Beginning down in bustling Millom is the perfect place to start, with shop after shop catering to each and every age group.

And while it may be called a baby boutique, Koralily Rose has plenty to offer anyone in need of a new chunky jumper or a cosy pom-pom hat.

Owner Collette Owens – with the helping hand of mum, Rose, of the shop’s other side, Rose’s Woolcrafts – offers a range of handmade cardigans, hats, dresses and more for babies and children, as well as wool and bespoke pieces for those short of knitwear.

Hand-picked gift boxes and similar treats are also available from the Lapstone Road shop, as well as teddy bears, dolls – and everything else your little cherub could want, really!

“We’re a small shop, but we do try to stock as much as we can,” Collette said.

“The Millom community is really supportive and so many people come in to buy our little cardigans and things for their babies.

“It’s nice to buy from independent shops like ours because it means that every baby has its own outfit – you don’t see them all wearing the same thing, so their parents are always happy!”

And with many customers thinking about winter’s main event, the unique and wonderful store has of course thought of everything.

“We’ve got Christmas pyjamas ready to go, which people always love, and we’ve got loads of red, navy and tartan wool in to make more wintery outfits for people,” the excited trader said.

“Even though we have a lot of different outfits on offer so babies aren’t wearing the same, everyone is buying our pom-pom hats at the moment, so you’ll see a lot of them about!”

On top of providing the town with beautiful knitwear, the duo hosted regular fundraising events before Covid hit, giving all money raised to local charities, including St Mary’s Hospice.

But they remain humble, and are grateful instead for the support they receive.

Collette said: “It’s nice when people buy from local businesses because you’re supporting local families, and then I spend my money at a local place and it carries on – it keeps the community alive.”

And Charles Maudling, of Charles Menswear in Whitehaven, agree wholeheartedly.

Offering everything from tops and hoodies to three-piece-suits, the town centre shop has something for everyone – and the proud owner is encouraging everyone to get out there and Shop Local.

He said: “If people go and support their local stores, that employ local people, who then spend their money at local businesses, they’d be helping out in a time when it’s most needed.

“It’s really important to sustain the high street – it means we can keep it alive for future generations of employment because retail jobs will still be there.”

He added: “It’s always good to see everybody working together as one family to get our high street back to where it should be.”