INDEPENDENT businesses in a North-East town held an event today (October 31) to showcase their products and services to potential customers in a bid to get them to buy locally.

The firms behind Darlington’s Buy Local campaign held an open day in a bid to get businesses, residents and organisations behind the idea, which aims to boost the town’s economy.

Held at Darlington College, the event will featured Darlington’s independent retailers and traders showcasing their products and services to hundreds of visitors. The campaign has the support of 200 of businesses and organisations, including sponsors Teesside University, Darlington Borough Council, Sherwoods and Lingfield Point, as well as The Northern Echo.

Started by Darlington Business Club, Darlington MP Jenny Chapman has also backed the initiative.

Businesses owners are invited to register their company online and join the almost 200 other local concerns that have already pledged to support the Darlington economy. Businesses with a DL or TS1 1 postcode can sign up for free and be featured in the business directory. Mrs Chapman said: “We have some great businesses in the town and we need local residents to take every opportunity to buy local produce and use local suppliers. To buy local means supporting our businesses, jobs and Darlington’s economy.”