Businesses in Bridport are preparing to take part in the upcoming Totally Locally National Fiver Fest, from February 15 to 29.

Shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs are putting on special £5 offers for the duration of the festival, in an aim to encourage shoppers back into their local town centres and high streets.

The Fiver Fest is part of the award-winning Totally Locally town kit, a free marketing campaign which has been hugely successful in helping towns buck the trend of declining high streets.

Chris Sands, founder of Totally Locally, commented: "Independent businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets and town centres, run by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people who are often pouring their life savings into their businesses. We decided to coordinate a National Fiver Fest to celebrate our independent businesses and high streets, spreading the word about our £5 message and get people back into our town centres and supporting their high streets."

The festival is taking place in 60 towns across the country. Distinctive posters and online promotion will help customers identify which businesses are taking part in the Fiver Offers.

Kim Squirrel, owner of the arts and craft shop ink & page on West Allington Street, said: "We're joining the National Fiver Fest again to offer some great bargains for local shoppers and say thank you to our regulars. We also want to showcase Bridport and the wonderful shops and businesses we have here, not just on our high streets, but on the industrial estates, farms and in the surrounding villages."

The initiative is based on the Totally Locally concept that if every adult in Bridport spent £5 a week at their local independent shops or businesses, rather than online or at major chain stories, that would equate to £4.6 million going directly into the local economy.

Chris added: "Since I created Totally Locally, towns involved gone on to win the High Street of The Year competition and other awards. Furthermore, the number of empty shops in towns has reduced and local businesses have started to work together to promote one another. This has a massive benefit to residents, businesses and the surrounding supply chain, making towns a better place to live and work, with better facilities and employment."

For any independent business wishing to participate in the Bridport Fiver Fest, collect a form from Bridport TIC or email totallylocallybridport@gmail.com.