Shoppers are pledging to shop local and support the Leicester Mercury's Independents Day – and we need even more to sign up.

On Saturday, March 14, we are asking readers to support independent businesses by buying locally produced food and shopping in the county's independent shops.

So if you're going to support Independents Day and shop local, let us know by sending an e-mail to us at the address at the end of this article.

Among the first people to contact us was Bridget Masters, from Birstall, who has pledged to shop at greengrocers, butchers and a bakery on Sibson Road in the village.

She praised her local shops and said they deserved the community's support for the fantastic service which they offer day in, day out.

Shops can also join in our campaign by putting free Support Your County and Independents Day posters in their windows.

Businesses including butchers Gamble & Hollis, in Syston, fashion store Reaction, in Leicester's Royal Arcade, and Chapman & Partners Opticians in the city's Market Place were at the front of the queue to ask for them.

Posters are free for independent shops or anyone who sells goods made or produced in Leicestershire. We want you to put them in your window and let shoppers know that they are buying local produce.

We also want to compile a list of county producers on our website, to tell shoppers where they can buy locally.

If you would like to be included in the list, e-mail the address below with the subject field, Support Your County.

Alternatively, call us on 0116 222 4243.

newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk