WEST Devon MP Geoffrey Cox and business leaders are urging people to come out and support their local shops in Tavistock and its surrounding area this weekend, for the first ever Small Business Saturday.

December 7 will mark Britain's debut Small Business Saturday, an idea which began in America three years ago, to help small firms survive competition from bigger rivals. It was a factor in boosting the turnover of small businesses by £3.5-billion.

The push to get people shopping in Tavistock follows a very successful marketing campaign by Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District), the Totally Locally initiative and what has been described as 'the best ever' Dickensian Evening last Friday.

West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox said he would be out shopping in the town on Saturday: 'We have to support our local shops because the diversity and character of different retailers is what make the identity of a town and particularly a town like Tavistock.

'If we do not support them we will lose them. There are a huge amount of pressures on small businesses and Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to show our support for the contribution that all these shops make to the town.

'What I am also hoping is that the local councils and other organisations that can affect the future of the shops get their parking policies right. In Tavistock there are problems with parking and its time to grapple with them and improve the situation.'

Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Nigel Eadie said Dickensian Evening had been a spectacular advertisement for the town and he hoped people would come back on Saturday by virtue of the experience they had.

'It was certainly the best ever Dickensian event we have had and it is just incredible in these austere times,' he said.

'The BID company has managed to improve year on year the amount of activities on the streets that contribute to the atmosphere and all credit to BID manager Lisa Wadling.

'One of the reasons that makes Tavistock unique is the huge number of independent traders giving shoppers the opportunity to get very individual Christmas gifts.

'We hope to see people in town on Saturday and also supporting our two late night shopping events on December 13 where there will be a lantern parade and on December 20, when a firewalk will add to the entertainment.'

Bere Alston's Victorian Evening will also take place on Small Business Saturday, starting from 5pm.