A day dedicated to encouraging people to shop locally this Christmas has been hailed as a 'great success'.

In partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council, Barrow Business Improvement District offered free parking on Saturday on all town centre council car parks to encourage people to shop locally for festive presents.

The day was planned to coincide with Small Business Saturday, a campaign that encourages people to shop at local businesses during the holiday season.

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In the run up to the day, Barrow BID promoted many of Barrow's independent businesses including Expressions clothing and gift shop, Marsha Lea Bridal Studio and Crafty Hobbies.

The BID also made sure traders in the newly reopened Meat Hall were not forgotten such as Pets Paradise, Chewy’s Confectionery and Sillfield Farm Foods.

Expressions' Black Friday deals (Image: Barrow BID) BID Project Coordinator Jenni Wyllie said: "This year's Shop Barrow Day which offered free parking across Barrow town centre was a great success. 

"Several businesses have reported that Saturday was one of their best trading days this year.  We hope to bring Shop Barrow Day back again next year."

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Janeen and Gary Newton, who run the award-winning Marsha Lea Bridal studio, which has sister company Dapper Menswear, said: "We had a really busy day - for myself and Dapper Menswear on the first floor.

"Lots of customers from out of town visited Barrow. It was really nice to see advertisements and help promoting small businesses - this is what Barrow needs.

Owners of Marsha Lea Bridal Studio, Janeen & Gary, say the day was just what Barrow needed (Image: Barrow BID) Scott Geldart and Jayde Hartley, who opened South Lakes Games Exchange last month, added: "We found it great. It brought loads of people into town and lots of new customers into the shop."

Speaking on the BID's Facebook page, one shopper was also pleased with the crowds and said: "Was great to see the town so busy this morning.

"We popped into several businesses, bought some delicious looking Chinese ribs, some spicy sausages, new pillows, wool and wrapping paper all in one street! And I got my boots mended"

One man added: "Also lots of great products and traders available in The Mall."

The day also saw plenty of live music which accompanied Christmas shopping as well as stunning performances by the the Extreme Mountain Bike Show.

Young World Champions Oli and Eddie Weightman wowed the crowds performing their mountain bike stunt show throughout the day on Dalton Road.

Lunchtime was taken care of by food stall Beardy BBQ on Portland Walk outside Coffee D’Ash UK.