PEOPLE are being urged to ‘shop local’ in support of Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Businesses across Wimborne, Poole and Westbourne will be taking part in the annual nationwide campaign.

Here's your guide to what it is, why it takes place and what's happening locally.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign and encourages people to 'shop small'. Last year saw an estimated £748m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010.

Dorset-based family-run e-commerce company, Addiscott's Dog Food, has been selected as one of the UK’s one hundred ‘trail-blazers’ in the countdown to Small Business Saturday.

What’s happening locally?

Wimborne

Wimborne BID is showcasing a small selection of independent businesses from all sectors in a series of films which will be published on social media on Saturday. The films give people the chance to get to know the people behind the local businesses.

Businesses taking part in the films include Gullivers Bookshop, Square Records, Number 9 on the Green, Dorset Homebrew and The Butchers' Dog.

On Saturday, Wimborne’s Christmas window trail will also launch giving visitors the chance to complete a trail around the town and vote for their favourite display.

BID Chairman, Martin Brunt, said: “The thing that makes Wimborne's businesses so special is the passion and expertise of the people in those businesses, and I think these films show that so well."

Poole

Twelve businesses in Poole town centre are taking part in Small Business Saturday. Titan Leathercraft, Purbeck Pottery and More, Poole Museum Cafe, The Lookout Cafe, Just Bean Ground and Premier Bites will be putting on offers on Saturday to mark the occasion. Truly Scrumptious, Volcano Jewellery, Frontline Army Surplus, Rock It Poole, Dr Feelgood's Tattoo Studio and Cycle Paths will also be involved.

New Forest

There will be free parking in the New Forest to coincide with Small Business Saturday to encourage people to support the area's independent businesses, producers and artisans. Signs will be on display in the car parks reminding shoppers on the days when there is no parking charge.

Westbourne

Various shops in Westbourne will be taking part in Small Business Saturday, plus Santa will also be dropping by to take up residence in his grotto. There’s going to be a festive-themed artisan farmers market plus family-run butcher Peter Treble will be holding its annual sausage eating competition.