WITHAM's MP is calling on her constituents to 'shop local' as part of a campaign aimed at helping independent businesses.

Priti Patel's rallying cry comes on Small Business Saturday, which takes place today.

The Home Secretary wants residents to support small retailers and firms in the Witham area by choosing to shop with them rather than major companies.

Ms Patel said: "Let’s give small businesses across this part of Essex a much-needed boost and shop locally and shop safely. This has been a tough year for our local businesses and, with Christmas approaching, I hope people will get behind our high streets and town centres this month.

"Shopping locally is good for the economy and can be done safety by keeping to social distancing rules.”

"Small Business Saturday is a campaign to promote the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our local communities and I have been pleased to support it every year.

"With the economic impact of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that we all show our support for the small businesses and shops that are integral parts of our local communities."

Non-essential reopened for the first time in four weeks on Wednesday when the national lockdown came to an end.