A student group is hoping to save Elm Hill businesses from the chop reminiscent of a similar campaign a century ago.

Students at the Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) are creating a production which gives people a look into some shops' history, including the Bear Shop and Mr P Milnes antiques and curios, after concerns about their declining sales.

Vafa Begheri, the producer and creative director of the project, teamed up with Lauren Charles, editor and Beth Beal, graphic designer to create the project.

Vafa Bagheri has teamed up with Lauren Charles and Beth Beal at the NUA for the projectVafa Bagheri has teamed up with Lauren Charles and Beth Beal at the NUA for the project (Image: Vafa Bagheri)

Vafa met Richard Eagleton, chairman of the Friends of Elm Hill, who asked him if he could create a series of short films about the shops in the street.

Vafa said: "It seems as though the shops are struggling with declining sales and fewer customers coming to the area.

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"So we're diving deep into the unique essence of each shop, listening to the owners' stories and building an emotional connection between the shops, the street and visitors.

The project looks to highlight the stories behind Elm Hill businesses, such as The Bear Shop and Mr P Milne's Antiques and CuriosThe project looks to highlight the stories behind Elm Hill businesses, such as The Bear Shop and Mr P Milne's Antiques and Curios (Image: Vafa Bagheri)

"We don't want them to just be promotional videos.

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"So the aim of the project is to help support these businesses by helping them promote themselves better, highlighting their history and how they contribute to the unique character of Elm Hill.

"We also want to give them a platform to address any concerns they may have.

Vafa said Elm Hill needs help once againVafa said Elm Hill needs help once again (Image: Vafa Bagheri)

"Roughly 100 years ago Elm Hill was saved from being demolished and it needs help once again."

The project is expected to have the first films ready to release in November.

In March last year the Norwich Society met at the 14th century Bishop's Bridge to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the start of the group's campaign to stop Elm Hill from being demolished.

Elm Hill located just outside the city centreElm Hill located just outside the city centre (Image: Newsquest)