DEFYING the recession – that’s Debbie Tyrell, who has opened up a new gift shop in Tadcaster.

Debbie said Ivy Cottage gifts and interiors would be selling crafts and other items made by people within the region, including pottery, photographic prints, pegboards and knitted items.

She said it had opened up in premises formerly occupied by her nail and beauty salon, The Works, which had now moved into the premises next door following a refurbishment by her husband’s firm TID Services.

She said she had opened the salon three years ago in the property in Wharfe Bank Terrace, but it had since expanded into various new areas, including hairdressing, massage and sunbeds.

She said different people were responsible for different areas.

“Everybody works for themselves,” she said. “It’s a successful business model.”

The Press campaign aims to promote positive developments in the York, North and East Yorkshire economy.

“It will be seeking to encourage people to shop in their local stores and markets.

The newspaper will join forces with business organisations to attract investment, help people who have lost their jobs find fresh employment and encourage local authorities to use local businesses for contracts when possible.