Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris has visited a variety of small businesses as part of the annual Small Business Saturday.

The purpose of the campaign, which is in its fifth year, aims to support community businesses and to showcase their success stories.

Ms Harris visited the borough’s small businesses on Saturday. Such traders included the Knitting Emporium in Hadleigh, Del Tailors in Benfleet, Cockerpoodledoos in Thundersley and Paradise Jewellery on Canvey.

She was very impressed with the dedication and hard work of the owners and staff she met on the day. Owners were very pleased with the support they received from their local MP.

She said: “I had an excellent time visiting a fantastic variety of local businesses across Castle Point for Small Business Saturday and seeing the many wonderful products and services that they provide.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and vital to the continued success of our local economy.

“We have many great small businesses in Castle Point that we should be very proud of. If you can, shop small for your Christmas presents.”

Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign and has had a positive impact on the UK economy.

Last year, more than £717 million was spent on the day in small independent businesses.