EMPTY shops in Weymouth town centre have been covered with festive murals to enhance the look of the high street during Christmas period.

We Are Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) has begun its Christmas campaign in the town by introducing shopfront visuals on vacant retail units.

The BID said the graphics add festive charm to the town, with one property being completely transformed into Santa’s Post Office, where families can write and post letters to him in time for his Christmas collection.

READ MORENew plans to build homes near Mandeville Road, Weymouth

Dorset Echo: Burton in St Mary Street. Picture: Weymouth BIDBurton in St Mary Street. Picture: Weymouth BID

Dawn Rondeau, Weymouth BID manager said: "The way Weymouth looks has been altering for many years, and in particular with Covid - the rise of empty retail units has encouraged us to look at new ways of reimagining our town.

"Our plan was to create a warm and inviting town centre for the Christmas period with plans for longer term improvements and inward investment.

"We Are Weymouth (BID) aims to not only showcase the fantastic festivities in the town, but also highlight the commercial opportunities in the town with the available units, as well as improve the general look and feel of the high street."

READ MOREChip shop owner donates 45 portions after coach party blunder

Dorset Echo: Queen Street. Picture: Weymouth BIDQueen Street. Picture: Weymouth BID

Former shops including Burton Dorothy Perkins and Ponden Home Interiors, in St Mary Street, are among the empty units that have been brightened up with the festive visuals.

The BID said the reason behind the project was to showcase the town to possible investors during the festive period and boost the town's economy following the financial damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dorset Echo: Picture: Weymouth BIDPicture: Weymouth BID

Ms Rondeau added: "As we emerged from Covid, the BID wanted to adopt a fresh approach to Weymouth breathing new life back into the town and its streets, through graphic wrapping some of our higher profile business premises, while delivering new and engaging events such as showcasing the town to possible investors and increasing revenue.

"We think there are many new opportunities to change the way Weymouth looks and works for the benefit of the businesses and community and look forward to bringing improvements to revitalise Weymouth’s economy."