Basildon's Best Dressed Business competition ran throughout December for small local businesses to share images of their festively decorated shopfront to be in the chance of winning a Christmas hamper. Residents voted for their favourite on the Basildon for Business Facebook page.

The competition received more than 40 entries from local businesses and 630 votes from residents liking their favourite post.

The Basildon Mind charity shop in Basildon Town Centre had a festive filled shopfront and received the most votes of 191. Basildon Mind are a charity that help people in the local community to have better mental health and wellbeing, and are affiliated with the national Mind charity. They offer a range of services such as counselling, wellbeing support, and supported housing.

Julie Edwards, Shop Manager at Basildon Mind said "Basildon Mind charity shop would like to thank everyone who voted for our lovely shop window. We are very proud of it. We all work very hard to get our shop looking good. Which of course we couldn't do without the help of our amazing team of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer with us, please pop in the shop for a form. We are also very appreciative of any donations kindly given."

One voter also received a £100 ShopAppy voucher to spend on the high street for taking part in the competition.

Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Business Engagement said "Our small businesses are an incredibly important part of our community, working tirelessly throughout the year to provide us with high quality products and services.

"Basildon Mind are a fantastic charity in the borough that provide a range of support year-round to help our communities. Thank you to all of the businesses that took part in the competition and helped spread festive cheer."