A council visited a number of independent traders in Tonbridge over the weekend to mark a campaign day that highlights small businesses.

Saturday, December 6 was Small Business Saturday which highlights the success of small businesses and encourages consumers to shop local.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council teamed up with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to visit and talk to a number of traders.

Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sasha Luck and cabinet member for economic regeneration, Cllr John Balcombe were joined by regional vice chairman of the FSB, Simon Robinson and were able to show their support and offer advice and information.

Cllr John Balcombe said: "We are always keen to support our small businesses as much as we can and I have so much sympathy for the businesses that were flooded last winter.

"I know they have demonstrated the determination and hard work it takes to recover from such a setback. We hope to engage with our local traders more in the new year.”

Simon Robinson said: “The FSB is proud to highlight the drive and diversity of Tonbridge retailers and businesses during Small Business Saturday. If we don’t vote with our feet and support local companies then we really will lose the variety and convenience of shopping locally.

"Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to bring the obstacles and successes of small businesses to the attention of local decision makers. It’s astonishing to think that small and medium businesses make up 99% of the local economy – let’s celebrate and support that this Christmas!”

Cllr Sasha Luck said it was great to meet local traders and knows that the high street needs continued support.