SHOPPERS were today urged to back small businesses in the run-up to Christmas to keep Dorset’s economy afloat.

They are being encouraged to throw their weight behind local shops in Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport.

The Federation of Small Businesses (GFSB) has launched the Keep Trade Local plea – backed by the Dorset Echo today – to boost the area’s economy.

Dorchester and district chamber of commerce president Alistair Chisholm supported the campaign in his Echo column today and urged others to do the same.

He said that it was important that people recognised the importance of shopping locally.

FSB regional organiser Colin Jamieson claimed that it was vital that shoppers used their spending power in independent shops rather than in multinational shops.

Gerald Duke, of Nantes solicitors in Dorchester, was among FSB members who today stressed the importance of small businesses.

He insisted that independent shop bosses gave better personal service and a fairer deal than some larger competitors.

The FSB rallying cry also came amid hopes that the 2.5 per cent cut in VAT would boost takings in the run-up to Christmas.