MEMBERS of the West Devon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses will be joined by Geoffrey Cox MP for a Christmas shopping trip in Tavistock to highlight the FSB's Keep Trade Local Campaign on December 7.

Policy chairman Peter Ashton said: 'I am delighted to be shopping locally this Christmas particularly at Tavistock. Many small shops face closure as the pressures on independent businesses continues to build.

'Rising costs, competition from out of town shopping centres, parking charges and restrictions and the current economic situation are just a few of the challenges these businesses face. It is important that we are able to show our support and encourage other shoppers to do the same.'

Sue Wilkinson, FSB development manager for Devon said: 'Christmas is an important time in local businesses trading calendar and we would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the valuable service these businesses offer, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year and the impact losing them would have on our communities — use it or lose it.'