More than 100 businesses in Deal have banded together to keep the town centre thriving in a new Love Local Campaign.

Sixty of whom attended the scheme's launch at Deal Town Hall, where they heard how a high visibility campaign will remind customers that just about all their shopping needs can be found within the town.

Giant banners were unveiled which will be put up around town and cash injections have come from supporting bodies Deal Town Council and Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade (DWCC).

This support will allow for 'customer facing' events and networking gatherings to forge new bonds and infuse fresh ideas.

Founding member Garry Kemp, owner of Tower Design and Print, said: "You can buy just about everything you need in our fantastic town. Why bother going out of town?

“We really want to encourage people to spend their money in their own community whenever possible."

Cllr Sue Beer, also a member, added: "People really like personal service and that is what you get if you buy local. Online shopping is just not the same.”

Deal is already a thriving town, and its independent shops and chains and are full of options for customers.

The precinct has won acclaim, being named The Telegraph's High Street of the year in 2013.

The area continues to attract weekenders for its growing selection of cafes, restaurants, bars and complimenting markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

The Love Local scheme will be run by a steering group made up of: Garry and Julie Kemp of Tower Design and Print, Stephanie Hayman of Chequers Kitchen, Morag Turner of Deal Radio, Yasmin Barron, Love Local Deal’s social media executive, Laura Newing of Artistica hair salon, Cllr Sue Beer and Peter Davies of DWCC.

Peter Jull, chairman of DWCC said: "The Love Local Deal project is going from strength to strength, with almost one hundred members now recruited to join the campaign.

"Members will get free marketing on Love Local Deal’s social media, access to public facing promotional events and to quarterly networking meetings.

"At the recent launch of the new banners members were asked to put forward ideas for the networking events.

"The steering group will use these to plan future sessions."

A vacancy on the steering group exists and any member of the Chamber or Love Local Deal with marketing or event planning skills are invited to get in touch.

The group will meet once a month at 6pm on the third Monday at the Royal Hotel.

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