SHOP local is the message to West Oxfordshire residents this Satur-day.

The national Small Business Saturday campaign is urging people to support independent shops and businesses on what is expected to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the run-up to Christmas.

Sisters Kim Longford and Debbie Hackett, who run The Shake Shop in Witney’s Market Square, serving milkshakes, smoothies, ice cream and sweets, are among those taking part.

Their Small Business Saturday loyalty card encourages customers to visit fellow independent traders Rapture music, In2Pets, Lily’s Attic and The Little Shop. The card can be stamped at each venue, before being swapped for a free shake.

The Shake Shop has been chosen to feature in a national Facebook and Twitter campaign, running in the 100 days leading up to December 6.

Mother-of-three Ms Hackett said: “It’s really nice to have been chosen out of so many entries. Being an independent business, we can try out our ideas, even if they are sometimes a bit crazy.”

Another Witney shop celebrating Small Business Saturday is vintage clothing outlet Renaissance, in Wesley Walk.

Owner Jeanne Chattoe said: “Small firms and shops are what makes a high street vibrant, a bit different and gives it character.

“It’s really important people support small shops and firms, because it would be terrible to have our high streets all looking exactly the same.”

The campaign is being supported by West Oxfordshire District Council. Richard Langridge, the cabinet member for the local economy, said: “West Oxfordshire’s towns have a fantastic range of independent shops, including award-winning businesses drawing visitors from far and wide.

“We have a lot to shout about and are very proud to be one of the few local authorities offering free parking every day of the year.”

At The Shake Shop there is one customer Ms Hackett would like to see on Small Business Saturday.

She said: “It’s about time David Cameron popped into our shop.

“We’ve seen him walking past a few times but he’s never been in and that’s a shame, because his children are perfect Shake Shop age.”