DARLINGTON could become a "clone town" unless the town's independent retailers are supported, according to a new Friends of the Earth booklet.

The pressure group's Darlington branch has launched a guide to the area's independent shops, with details of how they help the environment.

Invitations were sent to more than 200 shopkeepers and stallholders, and 48 responded. The result is the "Shop Local in Darlington" guide.

The free guide's introduction states: "So many towns in Britain are now virtually identical, with the same shops in every high street.

"Small local businesses are finding it harder to survive. Between 2000 and 2004, one in five independent shops closed down.

"If we do not reverse this trend, we will soon have none left and every town will be a clone town."

Environmental measures taken by the retailers are also highlighted. For example, Todd's Butchers, in Haughton Green, uses collected rain water to wash its vehicles. Pickled Pink Preserves, from Darlington Farmers' Market, often uses fruit from hedgerows, to cut "food miles".

Most retailers cited recycling waste, using local produce and reducing packaging as their ways of helping the environment.

Kendra Ullyart, the Darlington branch's co-ordinator, said: "We have been amazed to find how many independent retailers we still have in the area, and what a wide range of goods they offer.

"We are fortunate to still have so many and we must try to keep these businesses going. If we do all our shopping in supermarkets and chain stores, independent traders could be squeezed out.

"At the same time, we can help the environment by walking, cycling, or using public transport wherever possible to get to the shops, and by choosing locally-sourced food."

The guide is available at participating retailers and from Crown Street library, Tourist Information, the Dolphin Centre, and the Arts Centre.