There were strange goings-on on the streets of Farnham at the end of last month.

A cheeky elf-like being in a Christmas hat was peeping her head out of shop doorways, peering over sandwich boards and giggling. Anyone nearby might have noticed a woman looking in shop windows, filming and talking to herself about tote bags. “Is that a tote or a tile? Hang on…”

The mystery of what was behind all these shenanigans was revealed when the elf popped up outside Nicky Hayes Interiors in Downing Street and was shown to be none other than Farnham’s favourite artist Susie Lidstone.

She had placed tote bags decorated with her paintings in shops around the town and was being videoed by Anna Londei of Rainbow Roar, also in Downing Street. The two were making a film to promote shopping in Farnham.

“I’m getting the gist of this now,” said Anna. “You’re doing this to spread a message. And that message is…”

“Farnham is open and it’s ready for Christmas,” squeaked Elf Susie, tapping her magic wand. “All the shops are beautiful, and shop locally!”

“Exactly,” replied Anna. “Why go online when you’ve got this beautiful, beautiful place?”

The video has been released on Monday, December 1 and is part of the campaign to encourage shoppers to spend time and money in Farnham shops, particularly after the disruption caused by the Farnham town centre improvement roadworks which are set to continue in phases until November 2026.

The next phase will involve closing The Borough from Castle Street to the Royal Deer Junction, starting on January 6 and continuing until the end of March. There will also be lane closures at the Royal Deer Junction.

To encourage Christmas shopping there will be parking for just £1 after 1pm on Mondays to Thursdays from December 9, and free trips to town on the Hoppa Bus from December 15 to 24.