Festive shoppers have been given a boost thanks to free parking in some Southend roads tomorrow.

Southend businesses are invited to celebrate Small Business Saturday as part of a national campaign which is designed to encourage shoppers to buy locally.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages shoppers to buy products from local small businesses.

In support of this event, Southend Council is offering free car parking all day in the following local car parks: llfracombe Avenue, Southend North Road, Ceylon Road and Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff, Elm Road and North Street in Leigh and Thorpe Bay Broadway.

Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, said: “There are an incredible amount of small and independent businesses in Southend, competing on a daily basis with the big name brands.

“Small Business Saturday is a great day and provides us all with an opportunity to embrace our communities, support small businesses and shop local. I hope many of our local businesses will also get involved in Best Festive business and encourage their customers to vote for them.”

Leigh traders are holding their own local business event .

Independent Leigh Day is dedicated to celebrating the town’s independent traders. There will be tasters, special offers and a great atmosphere, so don’t miss out.

Rayleigh and Rochford shoppers will also get a boost with free parking every Saturday in the run up to Christmas

Southend small businesses can also take part in the Best Festive Business Christmas competition, which launches on Small Business Saturday. All they need to do is decorate their business fit for Christmas and send a picture via email to economicd@southend.gov.uk/ and ask your customers to vote for your window by going to the Visit Southend website and voting on the comments section.

By voting customers will be entered into a competition to win an afternoon tea for two at The Royal Hotel including a glass of Prosecco to the value of £53.

An overall business winner will be selected and will win a free promotional video which can be used to promote your business, which will be produced and donated by Blatella Productions. To find out more about the day, visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/