SHOPPERS will be able to pick up unique Christmas gifts, while helping small local businesses, at a special festive-themed market in Dudley town centre.

A Small Business Saturday market will be held next Saturday (December 5) and alongside existing traders, there will be a number of one-off stalls will sell food, crafts, gifts and more.

Running from 8am to 4pm, the event will be part of Dudley Council’s ongoing commitment to the national Small Business Saturday initiative, which encourages people to use local businesses wherever possible.

There will also be free family entertainment throughout the day and motorists will be able to park in the council-owned car parks free of charge.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “This event is all about celebrating and supporting local entrepreneurs.

"This year we have chosen to go for a different twist for our market, as for the first time we are hosting it on Dudley’s refurbished market place.

"This way, not only are we offering free stalls to local small businesses to give them a helping hand, but we are promoting Dudley’s existing market traders, who are also small business owners."