A REALITY TV star has praised Colchester’s independent retailers after popping into the city centre for a shopping trip.

The Only Way is Essex star James Bennewith, better known by his nickname Diags, was spotted shopping in DGSL, a shoe and handbag repair service based in Red Lion Yard.

The shop’s owner, Gareth Tansey, was delighted to welcome Diags into his business after chatting to the familiar Towie face on social media.

“I offer a drop off and collection service so I went to his family business to meet him and collect his trainers,” he explained.

Gazette: Happy customer - Diags with Gareth's daughter Gabriella, tenHappy customer - Diags with Gareth's daughter Gabriella, ten (Image: Gareth Tansey)

“I brought them back, restored them, and he came and collected them.”

Gareth said Diags was impressed by Red Lion Yard, which is lined with independently run businesses.

He added: “It was such a nice feeling knowing that he appreciated what I’ve built up and what I do as a passion.

“He was really happy and he loved the shop, its layout and the fact it’s a family business.”

Gazette: Family-run - James with Gareth's mum Linda, daughter Gabriella, and Paul Cox, who owns SneakFamily-run - James with Gareth's mum Linda, daughter Gabriella, and Paul Cox, who owns Sneak (Image: Gareth Tansey)

The reality star spent time chatting with Gareth’s mum Linda, who helps run the shop, and his ten-year-old daughter Gabriella who showed off her artwork, before getting to know Paul Cox, whose unique footwear-selling business Sneak is based in the shop too.

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DGSL moved to Red Lion Yard from its former home in High Street in July last year.

Dad-of-one Gareth admits he was nervous about the move but has no regrets heading into 2024.

“I was a bit anxious about the new shop at first having been on the High Street for two years but it was the best decision because I think the layout of the new shop is so much better for customers,” he said.

Gazette: Independent - DGSL in Red Lion Yard is also home to Paul Cox's business SneakIndependent - DGSL in Red Lion Yard is also home to Paul Cox's business Sneak (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s working really well as a business and a lot of people come in. I’m really pleased.”

He added he is enjoying being part of a tight-knit community of independent retailers in Red Lion Yard and thanked Lion Walk manager, Martin Leatherdale, for helping him to level-up his business.

“The community down there between all of the other business owners is great,” he continued. “We all get on so well.”