Small Business Saturday saw Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant and Maidstone Mayor Cllr Richard Thick take a walk about the county town meeting independent traders.

The jaunt was arranged by the Federation of Small Businesses.

The pair visited Ronald White Photographic and Optical Specialists in Pudding Lane, took hot chocolate and mince pies at Harpers Gift Shop and Tea Rooms in Market Buildings, admired the jewellery at Charmian Beaton in Gabriel’s Hill and visited Sew a Good Yarn, in the Mall Chequers.

Cllr Thick said: “I’m so pleased to see so many small businesses flourishing in the town – and impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the proprietors and their staff. I wish them all success.”

Ivan White, the chairman FSB Maidstone, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to share with Mrs Grant and the Mayor the diverse number of independent retailers we have in Maidstone.

“Those that we managed to visit were able to convey some of the frustrations of running your own business. But also what is apparent is their commitment to that business and their customers.”

Many of the small businesses are running special offers until Christmas.

Visit www.fsb.org.uk/kentandmedway/maidstone for details.