A TOWN crier will be hitting the high streets of the borough today to encourage people to shop local this Christmas.

Peter Taunton will tour the borough's town centres today (December 6) to encourage people to shop local and support their local high street ahead of this weekend’s Small Business Saturday on December 7.

The town crier is set to appear in Dudley’s marketplace before heading to Brierley Hill market, Stourbridge High Street and Somers Square in Halesowen to promote the towns and support local business.

Small Business Saturday, which is backed by Dudley Council, will see events taking place across the borough.

In Halesowen, the council has teamed up with the staff at Halesowen Bid, who are providing 14 free market stalls in Somers Square to small businesses including Dancers, Base 63 and SkateHut.

Tudor Markets is offering 10 free market stalls on Dudley Market, including to Black Country T Shirts and a number of local start-ups, while a range of entertainment will be on display.

In Brierley Hill, shoppers to the town’s regular market will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto and listen to music by the George Formby Society while they shop.

Shoppers in Stourbridge can support local makers and browse unique handmade products at the local festive makers market, which takes place from 10am to 5pm at General Office Gallery.

Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive at Dudley Council, said: "The small shops and traders up and down our high streets have a huge part to play in the success of our town centres and the growth of our local economy.

"It will be great to have a town crier with us drumming up support and encouraging local people to shop local this Small Business Saturday and in the run up to Christmas.

"Through the Dudley Deal, we will continue to do our bit to support small businesses in our borough and it would be great if local people can help us do this too."