SOUTH Craven people are being urged to 'shop local' in the run-up to Christmas.

North Yorkshire County Council has issued the plea ahead of Small Business Saturday.

County Councillor Derek Bastiman, executive member for open to business, said: "We have many wonderful businesses in North Yorkshire. The vast majority of them, 98 per cent, are small or micro businesses. They contribute a great deal not only to the county’s economy, but to North Yorkshire’s identity.

"The weeks leading up to Christmas are hugely important for the success of many of these businesses, particularly this year as they strive to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Now's the time to use them or lose them – buying local within North Yorkshire has never been more important."

As part of its support for the business community, the county council last year launched a Buy Local website – designed to bring businesses and customers together.

The site was instigated at the start of the pandemic to help people find goods and services during lockdown, but it has continued to provide a means for shoppers to search for what they require and for businesses to publicise their offer.

For more details, visit northyorks.gov.uk/buy-local.