GENEROUS local businessmen spread a bit of festive cheer and helped beat the credit crunch.

James Beattie, owner of Beattie's Barbers in Brynmawr and Shane Heath from Smart Solutions recruitment agency decided to help beat the credit crunch and offer customers a chance to win a new bike.

"We wanted to give something back to the community. We did a free raffle for the bike and everyone who came into the shop for their hair cut was entered. Shane has seven shops and I am based in Brynmawr and we wanted to give something back - and help with the credit crunch."

Lucky 10-year-old Sam Williams from Rother Avenue won the raffle and the brand new bike cheered him up after he suffered the flu over Christmas.

"I'm really chuffed I won, I'm going to go to Bailey Park with my dad and test it out," said Sam.

James, 23, is an award winning barber and has been based in Brynmawr for more than three years, "We are just pleased to give something back to our faithful customers and we hope Sam enjoys his new bike," he sad.