TRADERS are fighting back in the style of colourful comic-book characters to save the town centre shopping experience.

A group of 53 traders have launched a Hunt the Hero shop window competition that will culminate in a big half-term superhero event for families on February 26.

The event is being organised by the Harbour Quarter, a group which was set up to attract shoppers to the section of Weymouth town centre close to the harbour.

It is hoped it will give a boost to town centre shopping over the half-term holiday.

Committee organiser Shelley Godbald, who runs Breeze Beauty Salon in St Edmunds Street, said: “It’s been a really difficult time for traders and we’re really looking forward to it.

“I really feel that we need to move on from the negativity.

“We need to stop harping on about how difficult it’s been and look to the future.”

As part of the competition, 53 superhero posters will be hidden in windows in the town centre.

Prizes on offer for those who play Hunt the Hero are a Nintendo DSI and a BMX bike.

There will also be a raffle during the Hunt the Hero event, which – weather permitting – will be held on the green outside St Mary’s Church in Weymouth from 10am until 3pm.

Families are invited to dress up in superhero fancy dress.

Shelley said traders have chosen to support the Help for Heroes charity.

She said: “It seemed appropriate to do superheroes for Help for Heroes.

“We’ve had a good response from all the shops and we really want more traders to get on board and back this group.

A BMX bike donated by Westham Cycles that will be given away is on display in the window of Designa Kitchens in St Mary Street, which is also taking part in Hunt the Hero.

Office manager Trina Baker said: “I think the Superheroes Day is going to be a good fun day for everybody.

“Hopefully, it will help in getting people to come down to this part of the town centre.

“If they can see what’s down here, they will keep coming back.”

A Facebook group has been set up online for the Harbour Quarter.

Members of the group have just had their first meeting and are working on ideas that will transform the town centre.

“We want to point people towards our shops and make them aware of where we are.

“We also have a co-operative aim to offer late-night shopping and street entertainment for the area.

“As a group of traders we feel that people get to Argos and stop and since we started, other shops have wanted to be involved,” Shelley said.