THE Boat House Gift Shop and Gallery is one of the first independent shops to re-open following Storm Claudia leaving several Monmouth shops damaged.

Both of the shops, located on Monnow Street and The Old Way Station were both affected but are now back up and running again.

The shops showcase work from local artists, and include items from jewellery, paintings, candles and soaps.

The business now looks ahead for Christmas, inviting the community to see the local work they have on display.

Owner of the shops, Jenny Chuter confirms her appreciation to the community for working tirelessly to get the shops back up and running in a short amount of time.

“By some miracle and with the help from some very kind people we have got the shops up and running over the weekend, said Jenny.

“I am so grateful to everyone who helped me. We had the team of artists that we represent; we have eighty different artists that we sell work for. Everyone got in touch with me immediately and we put together a plan.

“The help has been absolutely fantastic; we’ve even had a gentleman from Birmingham who saw us on the news on the Sunday morning and got in his van and offered his help all day on the Sunday.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us, we couldn’t have done it without you.

“We realise there are still a lot of shops that are still desperately trying to get back up and running, but we’re all going to rally around and try and get these shops open for Christmas.

“We’re asking you to come to Monmouth and do your Christmas shopping, please look after us and shop local.”