The secrets of Gloucester shoppers on how to spot a bargain

KNOWING how to spot a bargain, being strict with savings, and getting crafty are just some of the top tips you shared when we took to the streets to find out how you're keeping things cheap and cheerful this Christmas.

Clerk and mum-of-two, Liz Leight, 40, was awash with merry Christmas ideas that didn't cost the earth.

She said: "When it comes to shopping, I've been researching a lot more online this year, and bargain shopping.

"I go to Wilkinsons, and I also use charity shops for trinkets. You can get some lovely things.

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"The kids have also been drawing pictures for relatives. And we play a lot of games like charades, which is free, and the 'Guess Who I Am' game, for which you just need a pack of Post Its, and another where you have to suck up sweets with a straw and drop them in a bowl."

Denny Philips, 58, who works in an operating theatre, is a grandmother to 13.

She said: "Shopping around is the best thing. I get the grandchildren to send wish lists with links to the sites where I can get them cheapest."

Martika Wemban, a 20-year-old cleaner from central Gloucester, has saved hard.

"I bought myself a pot that I have been putting money in all year round that I can then smash open to do my shopping with."

Housewife Jill Ruiz, 63, a busy grandmother from Tuffley, said: "I've been making knitted gifts and clothes for friends and family – it's more individual, because you can make them fit perfectly.

"Shop-bought clothes are the same shape, which doesn't suit everybody."

Full-time mum Sam Jackson agreed: "It's about looking for the deals on and offline."

Bus driver Jeffrey Green, from Mitcheldean, said: "I like to keep money back for Christmas. I like to buy luxury items, like chocolates and sweets."