This Christmas the Federation of Small Businesses is promoting the whole independent retail sector in Maidstone Town Centre.

The federation has declared this Saturday , December 6, to be Small Business Saturday, when FSB members will accompany Helen Grant MP and the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Richard Thick, on a walkabout through Maidstone.

Starting at the Town Hall, they will walk down Pudding Lane, up Earl Street and along Market Buildings, before crossing Jubilee Square and down Gabriels Hill to Edger Place, the lowest entry point to The Mall Chequers.

Along the way they will call at a number of independent retailers.

Many independents are now displaying their FSB poster: “This Christmas Shop Local – Keep the Cheer Here.”

Many have special pre-Christmas offers:

Ronald White Photographic and Optical Specialists, Pudding Lane.

Free entry to a Christmas draw for purchases over £30, to win a pair of binoculars worth over £100. Entry to draw will be from 22nd November to 16th December.

Harpers Gift Shop and Tea Rooms, Market Buildings

All purchases over £50 will receive a £5 voucher to redeem in January. In addition there will be a lucky dip with all purchases with the chance to win tea and coffee vouchers, a £5 January voucher and a £50 Gift Voucher.

The Living Café, Earl Street

Up till Christmas, there is a lunchtime special: turkey amd stuffing sandwich, mince pie and a glass of mulled wine for £8.95. Also from Mondays to Wednesdays, 20% of all food between 9am and 11.30am.

Sew a Good Yarn, Edger Place, The Mall

Free entry into a raffle and a voucher for 20% off to be used once during January or February 2015, for any spend over £5.

Great Hairdressing, Market Buildings

Any one colour service and in-salon luxury spa scalp treatment plus a cut and finish for £79 - a potential saving of £70.

Charmian Beaton Jewellery Design, Gabriels Hill

On Small Business Saturday 6th December, a 15% discount off any purchase in-store, and a 15% off voucher for use in January.

Mr T’s Jeweller, Gabriels Hill

On Small Business Saturday, 10% discount off any in-store purchase.

F J Burger, Earl Street

From Saturday until Christmas, a 10% discount off all jewellery and jewellery boxes.

Recherché Jewellery, Royal Star Arcade

All through December, 10% off all handmade rings. Also 10% off wedding ring workshops – where you make your own rings coached by a professional jeweller.

For further offers, visit FSB.