Festive film shows 'spirit' of rallying town

Mrs Claus is spotted in Cockermouth in the film

A town is attempting to rival the likes of John Lewis with its own Christmas advert showing its "rallying" spirit during testing times including floods.

Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade has released a series of festive clips which show Mrs Claus shopping in the town ahead of the Christmas period.

The film has been described as showcasing the town's businesses and its supportive community during times of adversity including Storm Desmond.

Samantha Down, who plays a broadcast journalist breaking the news of Mrs Claus sightings, said it "was nice for her whole family to be part of a bit of fun" celebrating the town.

"Cockermouth has got such a lovely community feel about it and that has always come out when there has been an unfortunate disaster," she said.

"When Storm Desmond hit, we saw shopkeepers really rally to get their shops back open for Christmas.

"The town supported them so they still had a bumper Christmas period and Cockermouth is a really special place in that respect - this film shows that support."

Mrs Down, who has worked as a TV journalist and lives just outside Cockermouth, said being part of the film was very much a "family affair".

Samantha Down appears in the film breaking news about sightings of Mrs Claus

Her daughter, Jemima, nine, and husband Richard, also appear in the film.

Describing her daughter's performance, she said: "I was really impressed, she did hers in one take unlike me.

"She has been thrilled to see it and get the attention of her teachers and school friends.

"It is the first time she has done anything like that and was an absolute natural."

Businesses on the high street feature in the film, as well as former Radio Cumbria journalist Val Armstrong and actress Emma Rydal, who has starred in Coronation Street, Doctors and Vera.

Jemima appears with her dad Richard in the film

Filmmaker Penny Watson said she hoped it would help attract more visitors to the town.

Suzanne Elsworth, chamber publicity officer and film co-producer, said: "We have had an absolute blast and I have to thank everyone in town who shared our enthusiasm.

"Getting Val to do the radio piece, Samantha to be our TV reporter, and Emma to act in the film is the icing on the Christmas cake for me."

Mrs Down added: "People really do come together and support each other and these are wonderful independent shops and we are so lucky to have them on our doorstep."

The film can be viewed on the town's chamber of trade website and its social channels.