People are being urged to back a national campaign to support our small businesses as they face a Christmas like no other.

Small Business Saturday (December 5) aims to encourage people to 'shop local' - many of them branching out into online sales for the first time - as they adapt to the coronavirus restrictions.

Christmas tree seller Tom Pritchard, from near Meifod, said this year has challenging for business owners.

He said: "Given the enormously challenging year 2020 has been for everyone, it definitely appears that people are trying make more of an effort to celebrate Christmas in style this year – our demand so far has already been much higher at this stage than in previous years!

"It is great to see so many people supporting small independent businesses such as ours.”

County Times: Craig Williams MP and Tom Pritchard of Vyrnwy Christmas Trees. Picture: Phil Blagg PhotographyCraig Williams MP and Tom Pritchard of Vyrnwy Christmas Trees. Picture: Phil Blagg Photography

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and his children paid a visit to Mr Prichard's family-run business Vyrnwy Christmas Trees.

Mr Williams said: "They are a fantastic example of an independent and local business, who do their very best to offer the highest quality trees and ensure their customers’ needs are catered for. My children are delighted with the tree we chose!"

He added: "Montgomeryshire is blessed with so many vibrant and diverse small and independent businesses.

"Given the extremely challenging year 2020 has been for all businesses, I am particularly keen to champion the vital role which all of Montgomeryshire’s small businesses play within our communities

"This year more than any other, it is vital that we all support and value the businesses we love and rely on. Let’s all do our bit and ‘shop local’ this Christmas.”

Small Business Saturday will take place on December 5.