Your Christmas list should be well worn by now, as you tramp the streets looking for that 'perfect gift'.

But before you head for the bright lights of neighbouring big cities - stop and think about shopping on your doorstep.

Small no longer translates as lacking in choice, and specialist retailers have cornered the market in innovation and economy.

JULIE HARRIES kick-started her shopping at some of her favourite haunts, and the following pages highlight just some of the things which caught her eye . . .