Small stores, market traders and shoppers have united to celebrate Leicestershire's Independents Day.

The Leicester Mercury's Support Your County campaign came to a hugely successful climax on Saturday after seven weeks of encouraging people to shop locally.

Our goal was to help small shops and local producers through the recession, help save jobs and most importantly, to highlight the wide variety of independent stores across Leicestershire to ensure they remain a focal part of communities.

Since the campaign launched in January, we have sent out more than 500 of our "Buy Local, Buy Here" posters for businesses to put in their windows as support has grown.

According to shopkeepers around the county, the people of Leicestershire have responded in style.

Ian Clarke, of Clarke's Butchers in Main Street, Queniborough, said his shop had been full of new faces on Saturday. He said: "I can honestly say it has had a real impact.

"I think the campaign has highlighted to people just what produce is available and it has been a fantastic boost for small producers.

"We have always tried to stock our meat locally. I will always visit the farms, where possible, so I can tell my customers exactly how their meat got from the farm to their plate.

"It is that level of commitment that makes the difference."

Lisa Hawkins, from Christopher James Deli in Queens Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, said she too had seen a rise in the number of customers on Independents Day.

The deli, which sells a range of local products, including Claybrooke Mill Flour, jams from Whetstone, and chocolate from Glenfield, has been proudly displaying our posters for several weeks.

Lisa said: "I believe the Leicester Mercury campaign has made a big difference.

"We have been a lot busier than we normally would be at this time of year.

"We had always focused on the Continental side of things until a few years ago, when people came in asking about what local produce we sold.

"Since then we've really tried to push that side of the businesses and it has been very popular."

In Hinckley too, the message to "Buy Local, Buy Here" has been well received.

Town centre manager Mark Hyrniw said: "In this climate, independent traders need all the help they can get and they saw the day as a great opportunity to get their message out."

At Lutterworth Farmer's market, in Town Hall Square, Lutterworth, shoppers spoke with their feet and came out in large numbers.

Jane Weiss, from Cossington, who runs Just Soaps with her husband, Jan, had a stall at the market.

She also bought produce from the market and from her village shops on Saturday.

She said: "Once I had explained we weren't celebrating American Independence Day early, everybody said what a great idea it was.

"I personally am making a concerted effort to visit my local shops. Between myself and my husband, we have decided that if we can get it locally we will."

Simon March, from Evington's Wines, in Evington Road, Leicester added: "It has been an excellent campaign. There are a tremendous number of independent stores around Leicestershire that are well worth the support."