A visit to Old Town should be at the top of any shopping list this month.

It's one of the nicest parts of Swindon according Richard Deacon of one the oldest firms in the town, Deacons Jewellers. "It has the most interesting buildings and the shops have stock which you might not find elsewhere," he says. "Old Town has character, the parking is good, it's well worth a trip to see what we offer."

Confidence is flowing back into the area with new businesses starting up and adding to the diversity to be found there. Flamboyant interior designer Tony Knowles opened his shop in August and a striking new West One hair salon opened in November, next door at 101 Victoria Road.

The glass fronted building is the dream of Richard and Joanna Simpson and has been designed by an architect usually involved in nightclubs and bars. Richard said, "it has a sleek, modern feel which would fit easily into the West End of London. We have tremendous confidence that Old Town is the place to be."

For enchanting miniatures and gifts for children, call into Tinkerbells. Josie Hobbs has all manner of unusual items in stock. And it's worth getting your New Year fancy dress gear sorted out early at the Giant Party Shop at the bottom of Victoria Road.

Deacons, opposite, stocks exquisite jewellery, pens, china and glass from top designer names. With a long tradition of personal service, the attention you'll receive will be unrivalled. At the Devizes Road end of Wood Street you'll find Juvals with top designer ladies fashions and accessories and two doors along Victoria Bookshop is an excellent place for new and second hand volumes. Proprietor Steve Austin will help you find the right book, especially if you're looking for a book about Wiltshire or Swindon, such as the new Swindon Society publication A Century of Swindon.

Opposite Wood Street in Devizes Road is Hallidays, an emporium of fascinating and constantly changing range of quality gifts, paintings and original prints. Janet Halliday has an eye for the unique to satisfy the interest of the discerning customer.

At the main junction of Old Town where Bath Road meets Victoria Road and Devizes Road is Blaylocks shoe shop, recently modernised but offering quality footwear and personal service. Opposite is Pets Kitchen with everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Go one way up Devizes Road and you come across Connie's Chinese restaurant, a good place for a light lunch or an evening meal offering great value. Closeby is Antiques and All Pine, Swindon's answer to the old curiosity shop. It's full of interesting items, lace and linen, as well as modern pine, brass and forged metal beds.

Walk the other way along Victoria Road and you come across Tony Knowles curtain and blinds shop, the West One salon and Spillers Furnishings, a family firm with over 150 years of service. If you're looking for quality furniture, carpets and excellent advice on home furnishings, its the place to go.

Closeby in North Street is Wear It Well, Wiltshire's largest as new clothing agency just a short walk from the Prospect Place car park.

And don't forget to protect your home this Christmas. Call on Swindon Security Centre for locks, keys and alarm systems.