Village businesses call for people to shop local

Claire Wilcox (right) wants to encourage people to shop locally

Businesses on a village high street are encouraging people to shop local in a response to Black Friday's "mass consumerism".

More than a dozen shops in Cheddar, Somerset, have signed up to encourage people to support their local businesses, amidst the cost of living crisis.

It is part of the national Colour Friday campaign, which aims to redirect the billions of pounds spent in Christmas shopping towards independent businesses.

Claire Wilcox, owner of the Bouquet Florist in Cheddar, said: "As a small business owner, these are really hard times."

Katrina Atkinson said it would be "sad" to lose independent businesses

She added: "Sometimes we need to be honest and say it's difficult."

Holly Tucker, founder of Colour Friday, said the event came about after she saw the impact supporting local businesses has on people's lives.

"When consumers take a moment to think and vote with their money for something they believe in, they can change lives," Ms Tucker said.

"Our small businesses bring colour to our towns and also to our shopping."

Katrina Atkinson runs the Art School Cheddar, which offers creative classes for children.

"You could say I'm always trying to bring colour to the world, and it's Colour Friday," Ms Atkinson said.

"Personally, I think it would be really sad losing independent businesses," she added.

"It's integral for the community and to get local people feeling part of the community."

Karen Dawkins runs the Time Out shop and said shopping local "is important"

Ms Wilcox added that small business owners have "sleepless nights" as costs rise.

She said: "We're a mother-and-daughter team running a flower shop.

"We've run the business for the last 10 years, we've been involved with the local community for a while now.

"We really need people to support your local businesses."