'Celebrating the contribution of small businesses'

A Surrey council is offering free parking on Small Business Saturday, a nationwide campaign urging people to shop local.

Elmbridge Borough Council said small businesses were "vital" to high streets, villages and community life, so it wanted to "celebrate their contribution and their customer service".

To encourage people to shop local, free all-day parking in village and town council car parks will be offered on 7 December.

Commuter car parks are not taking part in the promotional offer.

Councillor Kirsty Hewens, portfolio holder for parking and local economy, said: “I am proud to support our local communities and high streets through Small Business Saturday.

“We need to continue to recognise how important small businesses are to our local economy and how they continue to allow Elmbridge to thrive.”

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.