INDEPENDENT traders held a shopping day organised by Rochford District Council.

Retailers across the district took part in the national campaign, which aims to champion local shops.

The Shop at my Local group, in conjunction with the Rayleigh Town Team, ran a best-dressed window competition and were impressed by the creativity on show.

Daisy Lanes and the Phab Shop won in Rayleigh, while Sunrise Health and the Faith Shop won in Hockley and Rochford respectively.

Promotional stalls, free shopping bags and cupcakes were on offer across the district as shopkeepers showed their appreciation to their customers.

Eddie Dray, chairman of Rayleigh Town Council, said: “Rayleigh is proud to boast a diverse array of shops and it’s great that so many of them have taken time out of their busy schedules to promote Independents’ Day and dress their shop windows to reflect this.”