Independent traders said they are continuing to benefit from the Leicester Mercury's Support Your County campaign.

The appeal, which began at the end of January, urged people to shop local in an attempt to stop traders from becoming victims of the credit crunch.

Traders said the Mercury campaign had been successful in helping them to keep their businesses afloat and encourage new faces in their shops.

Joseph Peasgood, owner of JC Peasgood greengrocers in Queens Road, Leicester, which is regularly visited by Leicester Tigers and England centre Dan Hipkiss, said: "The campaign has benefited our business and I feel it has kept us going along very happily.

"We seem to be bucking the trend.

"It has made it clear to people that if they don't support local traders they will have a ghost town.

"I think the Mercury has done a very good job for small retailers."

Throughout the campaign, hundreds of free Buy local, buy here posters were sent to businesses to put in their windows and, weeks on, shops are continuing to request them.

Support Your County came to a climax on March 14 – Independents Day – where small stores, market traders and shoppers united to encourage people to shop locally.

Chris Hollis, a partner in Gamble and Hollis butchers in Melton Road, Syston, believed it had had a positive impact of his business.

He said: "We noticed a dramatic increase in trade before, during and after the Independents Day weekend.

"I think the campaign is very good. We have been seeing new faces in our shop."

County schools have done their bit to help to support local traders. A new food contract for 240 schools has changed menus to include more locally produced food than ever before.

The appeal has also involved companies and organisations by encouraging them to use local suppliers.

Simon March, owner of Evington Wines, in Evington Road, Leicester, said: "Trade is obviously very difficult at the moment and I think campaigns such as this are definitely helping us to tick over.

"I would say we have had an increase in trade because of the campaign.

"I think it is a really good idea and if things are still difficult in a few months time I say you should do it again. I'm all up for it."

Sean Jeynes, owner of W Archer and Son Butchers, Queens Road, said: "Business is holding up well at the moment and I would like to think it is down to Leicester Mercury campaign."