traders in Petersfield are encouraging shoppers to the town on Small Business Saturday on December 3.

As well as special offers in shops during the day, there will be a Small Business Fair in Winton House from 10am to 2pm involving 16 sole traders who don’t have a town-centre shop front.

Local actress and town crier Faye Thompson said: “Walking around town in my town crier outfit, I met with a lot of enthusiasm from people of all ages.

“I was telling them about the Small Business Fair, with its face painting for children, prizes and special offers.

“There are some fascinating Petersfield businesses involved, including a circus-wear maker and a microbrewery.”

Faye also said she would be promoting special offers that independent traders in Lavant Street, Chapel Street and the High Street will be offering on Small Business Saturday.

She added: “Along with the wonderful ways of communicating we have, face-to-face events such as the Small Business Fair, and a person making announcements from time to time, are uniquely valuable ways of connecting us as a community. I’ll be out in my town crier outfit on more Saturdays, and I’d love people to say hello.”