Kirkby Lonsdale couple win Christmas window competition and give prize back to community

The couple spent four days creating the display, which reflects Kirkby Lonsdale's experiences of 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic, and the importance of sticking together, supporting eachother, and shopping locally.

Kirkby Lonsdale & Lune Valley Community Interest Company (“Kirkby Lonsdale CIC”), announced the shop, in Main Street, had won the competition this week.

Founder Allan Muirhead presented Sarah and Ed with a £125 cash prize in a virtual award show on Facebook Live.

The decision was put to a public vote and people voted for the Christmas window which told them to "keep your chin up and keep going" and "to keep positive and hold on for a brand new year ahead" amongst Christmas trees, baubles and personalised illustrations of Kirkby Lonsdale icons.

The couple said they would be donating the prize money to the refurbishment of the play park in Kirkby Lonsdale.

Sarah Beattie said: “At The Milking Parlour we are so happy to have been recognised as the winner of the Christmas Window Competition.

It is so heart-warming for us to see how the public are supporting shops this year especially during late night shopping.

"And it’s beautiful to see that people feel the same way we do about supporting local businesses and keeping the spirit of Kirkby Lonsdale going despite everything we’ve all experienced this year.”