PEOPLE are being urged to “shop local” and support independents through an online street market.

A series of special Christmas instalments of the hugely-successful Bradford Street Market begins this week.

A number of businesses across the Keighley district are among those selling their wares through the initiative.

Bradford Street Market was launched in April, during the first national lockdown.

It takes place every Thursday via the Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/BradfordStreetMarket.

More than 300 businesses have participated and 6,000 shoppers regularly browse the virtual stalls.

The special Christmas markets start tomorrow (Nov 19) and are running for four weeks.

Catherine Simes, founder of the Bradford Street Market, said: “At what should be the busiest time of year for retailers, our high streets are closed to us.

“We’re asking people to spread the joy this festive season and pledge to support their local businesses.

“Rather than shop online with a faceless company, you could choose to shop online with us at the Bradford Street Market where you’ve met and know our traders from shopping with them over the last few months. It’s never been more important to shop local!

“With the Bradford Street Market, you’ll find that perfect gift, stocking filler or Christmas treat – you can shop local from the comfort of your own home, knowing that you’re doing your bit to support the local economy too.

“The markets are also featuring special Christmas giveaways and prizes across the four weeks to thank shoppers for their continued loyalty and support.”

She added: “The Bradford Street Market is not just a buying and selling site – we’re on a mission to support and promote our fantastic local businesses and spread a positive message about the district.

“We’ve created a real sense of community on the market since the first lockdown in April. People have really valued coming together every Thursday and seeing what our stallholders have to offer. People have loved discovering Bradford’s fantastic traders – we have so much talent in the city and across the district and we really need to shout about it.

“I’m planning on buying as many of my Christmas presents as I can from the Bradford Street Market – I’ve already got my eye on a few pieces for friends and family!

“We’ve also introduced ‘Find it Fridays’ – if you have a special request, we’ll do what we can to find the item for you. Just recently we ‘saved’ a birthday and helped someone find a unique illustration.”

Businesses interested in taking part can email catherine@bradfordstreetmarket.com.