A FORMER RAF photographer is running a Christmas campaign to support small independent businesses in York.

Joanne Blackman, who now owns JoanneB Photography, is part way through a 24 day Advent Christmas Blog, set up to feature some of York's "hidden gems".

Mrs Blackman said: "I am not getting any payment for my blogs, I set myself this task to promote some of the alternatives to the big companies in York.

"I just wanted to do a small project to encourage people to shop, eat, drink and stay somewhere new in York, maybe a place they didn't even know was there."

So far her blogs have included York Cookery School, Daisy Taylors, Grays Hotel, Burgins Perfumes and Puddin & Pie.

Mrs Blackman grew up in York and moved away in 1998 when she joined the RAF. After working for six years as an RAF photographer she got married and continued to move around with her military husband until 2011 when she moved back to her hometown.

Now settled back in York, Mrs Blackman works from a purpose built studio in her home.

She said: "All these small businesses, including mine, need your support. So go and try somewhere new, buy a coffee from buy a coffee from Liz at the Puddin & Pie on Bishopthore Road, or your wife's perfume from Burgins on Coney Street, they will be over the moon to see you."