KEEP it local is the message to Christmas shoppers in Oxfordshire this weekend.

Small Business Saturday is designed to encourage people to support independent local retailers and firms on what is expected to be the one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

Sisters Debbie Hackett and Kim Longford, who serve up milkshakes, ice cream and sweets at the Shake Shop, in Witney’s Market Square, are among those taking part.

They will be handing out Small Business Saturday loyalty cards, which encourage customers to visit four other independents stores in the town to collect stamps, before swapping them for a free shake.

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The Shake Shop has also been chosen to feature in the national SBS campaign, run through social media during the 100 days leading up to December 6.

Mother-of-three Ms Hackett said: “It’s really nice to have been chosen out of so many entries from all over the UK.

“Being an independent business is fun and means we can try out our ideas for shakes and other products, even if they are sometimes a bit crazy.”

An independent grassroots movement, the first Small Business Saturday took place last year, when £468m was spent in independents across the UK.

Led by small businesses, it is backed by the Government, local authorities and community groups.

Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council will lay on free parking at all their park-and-ride centres aeound the city on Saturday.

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “This is a fantastic idea and one we are proud to support. Oxford is a thriving city full of independent stores offering a range of goods that give the city its unique character.”

The district councils are also backing the campaign, with Cherwell District Council offering free parking on Saturday in a bid to attract more shoppers to Banbury and Bicester.

Other Oxfordshire firms which made the top 100 of the national Small Business Saturday spotlight include Thame-based designer and illustrator Sam Osborne and Marie boutique in Abingdon, which stocks lingerie and swimwear.

Ms Osborne is running an online promotion and Marie two competitions. Another trader celebrating Small Business Saturday is Witney vintage clothing store Renaissance, in Wesley Walk .

Owner Jeanne Chattoe said: “Small firms and shops are what makes a high street vibrant and give it character. It’s really important people support us because it would be terrible to have our high streets all looking the same.”

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