LOCAL businesses were celebrated during the nation-wide campaign, Small Business Saturday.

The day celebrates small enterprises and the benefits they bring to local communities.

In Witham, 500 new small and medium businesses have been established since 2010.

Witham MP, Priti Patel, visited small businesses at the weekend.

She said: “Essex is a county of entrepreneurs and it was fantastic to meet a diverse range of businesses today and see the quality products along with a personal service that they offer.

"Having grown up in a small family business, I know how hard owners and entrepreneurs work to create jobs and provide products and services.

"Small Business Saturday gives us all a chance to show our appreciation to those businesses and I was pleased to support it this year."

Tina Townsend, chairman of the Witham Chamber of Commerce, added: "Small businesses are the backbone of our country and we have many small businesses thriving in Witham and the surrounding areas.

"Buying from and working with small businesses puts food on the table, heats homes and pays for day to day living.

"We thank the town for supporting us and hope it will continue."