While the Americans are celebrating Independence Day, we're celebrating independents of a different kind.

Independents' Day celebrates the wide diversity of small retailers in Gravesend town centre.

It is one of bargains, bargains and more bargains. Everyone is join in, from jewellers selling rings and bracelets at half price to butchers selling camel and other exotic meats.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden said: “It is important for people to realise how crucial the independent shops are to the vitality of the town.”

There is estimated there are 160,000 independent retailers in the country making up 92% of all retail businesses.

Some of today’s special offers included 25% off bouquets and carpets, free teas and coffees, cut price sausage and chips, as well as cash vouchers and cutprice fishing tackle.