A social enterprise group urging people to 'shop local' has singled out firms in Bridport that have stood the test of time. 

Totally Locally, the social entergroup behind the Magic Tenner campaign, is celebrating independent businesses in Bridport that been around for more than 30 years.

Several of these independents that can boast around three decades of trading in the area include Steptoes, which was established in 1981 as a market stall, moving onto West Street in 1993.

Around a year later Carpet World set up shop further down the hill and Health Foods started out on South Street in the late 1940s, arriving in West Street around 1970, while Fruits of the Earth has chalked up 36 years on Victoria Grove.

Luke Gatehouse of Carpet World said that the longevity of his business 'works both ways and a very loyal customer base is key'.

“People who appreciate the quality and personal service we offer come back again and again,” he said.

Sue English, of Fruits of the Earth said: “I feel that it’s important to be reliable, a good relationship with local suppliers and lovely staff also contribute to being able to reliably deliver for our community.”

In 1884 Edwin Smith founded a tailoring business on South Street, relocating to 8 West Street in 1923. Smith & Smith stayed in the family until the 1950s when the Wraight family took over and gradually expanded and modernised the business, which is now in the care of daughter Sue England.

One of the longest -eigning West Street residents, however, goes back to 1896 when Tom Snook, also a tailor, established his business at No 18. After moving to 30/32 as a men's clothier, the business evolved through the passion of the founder’s grandson Roger Snook, into the hat shop.

Just over the River Brit at no.7 West Allington, D. Palmer also began as a trader in 1970, opening his camera shop in 2003, whilst photographer Pete Millson, who started out in 1993, has been based in West Allington since 2015.

A spokesperson for Totally Locally said: “Each business has unique qualities that brings distinctiveness and vibrancy to the town.”

According to the Institute for Family Business, R J Balson & Son at No 9 West Allington, is the oldest continually trading family business in the UK and has been in the same family since 1515 when it was one of 10 butchers stalls in the Shambles at the centre of Bridport.

The campaign group is also planning a ‘Magic Tenner Local Shopping’ in May, offering locals the chance to win a range of products, experiences and services as a reward for regularly shopping locally.

If you are a local independent business that wants to get involved in the Local Shopping Weeks you can email totallylocallybridport@gmail.co.uk for details - The deadline for applications is the 14th of February.