SHOPPERS across the region are urged to support for local traders this weekend on Small Business Saturday.

Hundreds of independent traders and most of the region’s councils are backing the annual day-long event designed to encourage customers to back local businesses in the Christmas run-up.

Like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday began life in the USA and was first staged in the UK last year, the date set as the first shopping Saturday in December.

Business improvement company Distinct Darlington is backing the annual event which coincides with the launch of its Christmas Wonderland Ice Rink and weekend Christmas market in the town centre.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, said: “Small Business Saturday is all about making an effort to purchase from independent stores.

“As well as all of the planned activities, we also have a festive edition of our Little Book of Offers which is available free of charge from participating retailers and has some amazing discounts on everything from gifts and fashion, to meals and services at many of our independent retailers”.

Across County Durham, council-run car parks will be free after 10am on Saturday to encourage more shoppers, with a string of events taking place, including Durham City's 21st annual Christmas Festival.

In Barnard Castle, there will be a craft market at The Witham alongside the regular farmer’s market in the Market Place. A free Victorian Christmas event takes place at Scar Top from 11am to 3pm, followed by a carol service at the Methodist Church at 4:30pm, then back to Scar Top for a Christmas firework display at 6pm.

There will be special deals and entertainment at shops in Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street, while Seaham will host fairground rides in Church Street from 10am to 2pm and Stanley will host a winter craft market in Front Street from 10am to 3pm.