It's been a tough year for independent shops and small businesses in Kent's high streets.

Having endured enforced closures and tricky social distancing rules a big dose of Christmas spirit is needed more than ever - even if things aren't back to normal these retailers are determined to go that extra mile this December.

Many have got into the festive mood and have designed and installed beautiful, sparkling and colourful Christmas window displays for shoppers to admire in the run up to the big day.

And tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, an initiative which champions small businesses in the UK high streets.

It's aim it to support small businesses in our towns by encouraging people to buy locally.

Now in its eighth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly with an estimated £800 million spent by 17.6m shoppers in small businesses during last year's event.

Many retailers across Kent fear a lack of shoppers this Christmas could put their business at risk.

In Tonbridge and Malling a survey of 34 outlets carried out by the council found while 12% said business was ‘good’, 53% said the impact of lockdown and other restrictions could mean the shutters coming down permanently in 2021.

So, we are featuring some of the wonderful window displays we have found in our high streets. Have you seen any that are worthy of a mention, email news@thekmgroup.co.uk.

Gravesend's baking shop Marie's Emporium is among many independent traders to welcome shoppers back with a wonderful window display.

Elsewhere in the town two nutcracker soldiers guard the front of Northman Coffee, which has also opted for the traditional nativity seen in paper cut outs, while House of Beauty Academy has gone modern and matched its own colour scheme with a bright pink Christmas tree.

The green and gold facade of Allsorts Antiques & Collectibles is almost Dickensian in appearance, and many other traders are showing off their creativity too.

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On Sheppey, The Snow Queen has arrived at the Cottage of Curiosities museum in Rose Street, Sheerness.

Sheerness Town Team is running a competition for the best winter window but judging has been delayed to give shopkeepers a bit more time because of the second coronavirus lockdown.

But cosmetic business Fusion Aesthetics has already completed its decorations.

The Sevenoaks Bookshop is truly independent and run by a team of experienced, enthusiastic and welcoming booksellers.

It stocks the best books for adults and children - the very latest and the finest classics. Their knowledgeable staff can answer any enquiry and recommend the perfect book for you.

All of their books are for sale through it's online shop and people can also order any in-print book, take orders by phone or email and post books out. The shop is open right up until Christmas now.

Kaizen Antiques & Jewellery (top image) is based in Rochester's High Street and is open right up until Christmas.

It sells an array of jewellery from antique to modern. You can shop by item in store or collection and find that perfect piece of jewellery for your loved one, click here to find out more.

While Maidstone is not awash with decorated windows, there are a handful of independent traders who have pulled out all the stops - including one that's sure to bring shoppers to a halt.

A must-see for children, and grown-ups, is the Golden Boot in Gabriel's Hill, where a magnificent train set takes centre stage.

We are reminded of the story of Christmas at Trash Or Treasure, off Week Street, where you'll find a large figurine of Jesus' mother Mary in the window.

And several of the town's bridal shops, including Victoria Elaine Bridal in the Royal Star Arcade, have mannequins decked out in suitably Christmassy gear in case anyone fancies some festive knot-tying - just probably not this year.

There is plenty of Christmas spirit in evidence in Whitstable and Tankerton, where a multitude of traders have been getting creative to bring a little cheer for customers.

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