Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and the engine of enterprise and prosperity.

This coming Saturday December 2 we will all get the chance to show our support when Small Business Saturday takes place.

It is part of a national initiative to encourage consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses within their communities.

Gloucester, Cheltenham and our other county towns will only thrive if we use local businesses.

Tewkesbury Borough Council is supporting the event by offering free parking in all borough-run car parks in Tewkesbury and Winchcombe on Saturday.

Some of the local traders in Tewkesbury will be running special offers on Saturday to celebrate the event.

The Borough Council says it is proud to support local businesses and encourage residents and visitors to explore the wide variety of shops within the borough offering unique gift and food ideas for the festive season.

Councillor Rob Bird, lead member for Economic Development and Promotions said: "Free parking is an added incentive to visit the unique array of shops, cafes and markets of the wonderful towns of Tewkesbury and Winchcombe. Small Business Saturday is a great way of highlighting the many small businesses we have within the borough and encourage visitors and residents to explore these distinctive places and the alternatives they offer."

To find out more about Small Business Saturday visit:

smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/