Shoppers have been urged to back small businesses as part of a national campaign to shop local.

Local traders throughout Gravesend will be offering special offers and discounts for Small Business Saturday.

A land train will keep bargain hunters on the move with stops at Bank Street, High Street, Borough Market, and Windmill Street.

The event, which takes place tomorrow, forms part of a wider UK campaign to encourage people to support small businesses in their communities.

Shoppers who spend £5 in participating stores will receive a free Small Business Saturday Shopping Bag while stocks last.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities for avid instagrammers with a free giant snow globe at King Street.

Gravesham Borough Market will also be participating in the event, showcasing local traders and crafters with a variety of pop-up stalls.

Children can even meet Father Christmas who will squeeze his expanding waistline through the doors of the Santa's Grotto between 10am and 2pm.

The experience is free and open between 10am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday until 22 December.

Graham Long, Town Centre Manager praised the sheer variety of independent traders operating in Gravesend.

“Small Business Saturday is a great chance for Christmas shoppers to buy local and discover shops they may not have come across before," he said.

“In return, many of our small businesses will have special offers and discounts on the day.”

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend