There may not be too many lords-a-leaping, French hens or even partridges in pear trees, but the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust has launched its own 12 Days of Christmas to support local businesses.

The community development charity is turning the spotlight on a local producer each day on its website and social media, all of which are stocked at Gloucester Services.

The trust is the charity partner of the services with 3p in every £1 of non-fuel sales going back into local projects and communities.

Gateway Trust chief executive Mark Gale said: "We've been committed to supporting local producers at Gloucester Services since we opened, and we know this year has been really tough, so we want to encourage people to think local first this Christmas - as supporting local businesses supports local people, their livelihoods and their families, as well as reinvesting into our local economy.

"We know Christmas shopping is going to be different this year, so we wanted to inspire people to think locally early on and show a few of the many incredible local businesses that exist before we all rush off to the big chains."

The first business to be featured in the campaign, which started today, is Gloucester preserves, marmalade manufacturer Artisan Kitchen.

Founder Sarah Churchill said: "Shopping locally is incredibly important. It enables independent interesting businesses to exist, encourages innovation and supports the local community as a whole."

More than 130 local producers based within 30 miles are stocked at the farm shops at Gloucester Services.

The 12 Days campaign has been backed by local enterprise partnership GFirst LEP and chief executive David Owen: "Gloucestershire has always been well recognised and loved for its local produce and now more than ever before we should all be doing our utmost to support our local businesses."

The Mayor of Gloucester Councillor Kate Haigh has also shown her support for the campaign.

She said: "This Christmas is going to be different but whatever happens we can make a difference to our neighbours by supporting local businesses. In Gloucester we have wonderful local produce, great shops and great service so stay safe and shop local this Christmas."