CONSUMERS are being encouraged to shop local this weekend in a bid to highlight the borough's small businesses.

The annual campaign aims to make shoppers more aware of the independent traders on their doorstep.

Our Colchester’s Business Improvement District (BID) is encouraging shoppers to be out in force to support traders on Saturday - and every other day of the year.

In Colchester - the BID's consumer facing brand - will have a stall in Lion Walk sharing leaflets and information on shops across the town.

There will also be giveaways and selfie boards for shoppers to take pictures with.

They will also be sharing videos from business owners in the lead up to Christmas on why people should shop locally.

Sam Good, BID manager, said: "There is no doubt that Colchester town centre is rich with vibrant, innovative and unique Independent businesses that are at the heart of the community.

"The BID understands the impact that the independent sector has on our town centre and we have some exciting plans coming up at the start of 2020 that will demonstrate this level of commitment to the Independent sector.

"Small Business Saturday is all about celebrating why these businesses are so essential to our town centres make-up on not only this Saturday but 365 days a year.

"Head to InColchester.co.uk and our social media platforms to view our interviews with a selection of small businesses in the town centre about what they are all about, a bit on their history of the business and most importantly, why they think Colchester is so unique with it's independent sector.

"We will also have a stall in Lion Walk Shopping Centre on Saturday promoting a variety of small businesses from within the BID so come along to celebrate with us."