WESTBOURNE Traders are in a jubilant mood following the success of their involvement in the national initiative Small Business Saturday.

The area built its campaign, Westbourne for Christmas, around the event and organised its annual Christmas Festival to take place on the same day, December 6.

All Businesses reported trade as extremely brisk.

President of the Westbourne Traders Association, Steve Taylor, who is also director of Fab Frocks of Westbourne, said: “Small Business Saturday was a real celebration for our many unique and independent businesses. Businesses were enthused to showcase themselves to the thousands of extra shoppers that visited Westbourne on this special day to shop local.

“The Christmas Festival was made possible by funding from Bournemouth Coastal Business Improvement District (BID).

“We were fortunate to be visited on the day by local MP Conor Burns and Leader of Bournemouth Council Cllr John Beesley and would like to thank them both for their support, involvement and interest in Small Business Saturday and our Christmas Festival.”

Daniel Dean, manager of Badger & Bumble, a fine foods delicatessen, added: “Business was amazing. We had fantastic numbers visiting the shop and it had a massive impact on our takings.

“We took nearly triple our normal Saturday takings. We are thrilled.”

Justin Brandon from Scape Interiors said: “Footfall was really good. Everyone was in a jolly mood.

“It was a real pleasure to meet and chat with Conor Burns MP and Cllr John Beesley. Overall sales were up by 20 per cent.”

Clara Prochazkova from Lavish Life coffee shop said Westbourne was “buzzing” and Claire Moyce, of gift shop Number 83, said her sales were up 46 per cent on the previous Saturday.

The day was rounded off when Ray Dorset, aka Mungo Jerry, took to the stage to perform to the packed crowds and countdown to the Christmas lights switch on.