AN initiative which Worcester businesses will be hoping gives them a Christmas boost, is being held this weekend.

Small Business Saturday encourages people to shop in small stores and show their support for local entrepreneurs.

The national event, in its fifth year, takes place on Saturday, December 2 - during the Victorian Fayre - and last year more than £717 million was spent on the day in small independent businesses.

This year independent shops, restaurants and other traders, have exclusives deals and discounts to encourage shoppers to choose them over the larger chains.

Small Business Saturday in Worcester is being supported by Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), which works closely with city businesses to support their sales and growth.

Phoebe Dawson, Worcester BID manager, said: “We have a wide array of independent traders located around the city centre, with hundreds more in the surrounding areas.

"There are over 200 businesses based in The Tything, Arboretum, Sidbury and Barbourne areas alone.

"Thousands of people pass through these areas every day, giving them a great opportunity to experience the surprisingly diverse mix of goods and services on offer.

"Small Business Saturday is a wonderful chance to showcase their brilliant offering and expertise."

Worcester City Council is backing the initiative and mayor, Councillor Steve MacKay, recently toured independents in The Tything.

Cllr MacKay said: "Every one of these small businesses is completely dedicated and attentive to customer care.

"They know delivering a great service helps them spread the word about the fabulous offers they have."

For more on Worcester BID visit worcesterbid.com, and for more on Worcester City Council visit worcester.gov.uk/business.