A FUN-LOVING businessman dressed as a spaceman to give people a Covid safe hug.

Peter Murray, who owns Pulse of Perfumery, wanted to do something special to welcome customers back to his Princess Street shop.

"The idea behind it was to create a bit of theatre, fun and laughter," said Peter, hailed a community champion for supporting countless charities.

"We've all been missing hugging each other so I thought if I wore a spaceman's suit, a non breakable sealed suit, I could give people a hug, which I did.

"The response from customers was awesome, incredibly positive. It created such a fantastic positive feeling."

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Peter and partner Melanie Seddon invested their life savings to launch their speciality business a decade ago after working in the beauty and perfumery industry for 40 years.

He believes the town centre will recover and thrive in the months ahead.

"I am hugely confident that Knutsford will bounce back," said Peter. "There has been a lovely measured return.

"People are ambling around, delighted that they can get out and about again.

"Everyone is adhering to the rules and all the businesses have put additional effort to make sure people feel safe and comfortable.

"The last thing any of us want is to go back and have to stay indoors."