Shop local and shop little and don’t forget to support your local shop.

That’s the call going out to shoppers as independent retailers battle for business as coronavirus tightens its grip.

The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) is launching a poster campaign with the 'Shop Local, Shop Little' message, calling on customers to support their local store. Copies of the posters will be mailed out to all 15,000 stores in its membership.

National president Stuart Reddish said: “In unprecedented challenging trading conditions, we want to do remind shoppers to support their local shops.

“Independent retailers play a critical role in their communities. We help raise much needed funds for local charities, we give young people their first jobs, we home deliver newspapers, magazines and much more and we keep a watchful eye out for the elderly, disabled and more vulnerable people in society.

“We are already hearing stories about how NFRN members are going above and beyond to help their customers.

“As the poster says, independent retailers are working hard with their suppliers to supply their customers’ food and household needs during this difficult period.

“Many of our members also offer a delivery service and will be happy to deliver to the elderly and vulnerable and those who are self isolating.

“We really hope that customers will see these posters and shop local and little in their community shops.”