A social enterprise and shop local movement is being launched in Addingham with the village’s first-ever Christmas market at the end of this month.

Totally Locally says more than threequarters of a million pounds a year would be pumped into the local economy if everyone in the village spent just £5 a week in local independent shops.

The organisation has already established shop local schemes in communities across England and Scotland, supporting independent retailers with a branding and marketing campaign.

Volunteers use the free initiative to promote the value of local shopping, celebrate their high street and create community events.

Businesses in Addingham have got together to form a Totally Locally Addingham Group “This is a chance for everyone to discover Addingham’s great independent traders, shops and businesses, and to celebrate their value in our community,” said Totally Locally organiser, Sarah Mayo.

“Many of our customers have often told us how much of a thriving area Main Street once was, but with the recession, the ever increasing presence of supermarket superstores and the rise in internet use, Addingham has witnessed a sharp decline in the use of its small shops and businesses with many people just driving through to get to Ilkley or Skipton.

“For those of us who are lucky enough to live and work in this beautiful village – we know how special a place it is and we have to preserve it and build on it for the future. This is the simple aim of Totally Locally and the message from all the small shops and businesses is: ‘Use us or Lose Us’.”

The Christmas market will mark the launch of the initiative in the village.

It will take place in the car park behind The Swan pub, Main Street, on Saturday November 30, from 3.30pm. The event coincides with the switch-on of Addingham’s Christmas lights.

Stalls will be selling food and drink, gifts and stocking fillers, all celebrating what exists in the village. This follows the success of a gala stall in the summer.

Totally Locally was created in 2009 by brand expert Chris Sands and business strategist Nigel Goddard.

“Totally Locally isn’t anti-supermarket or anti-internet”, said Mr Sands. “There is a place for all these things in our lives. It’s just highlighting how a small change in spending habits can make a huge change to Addingham.”

For more information, go to totallylocallyaddingham.org or send an e-mail to info@totallylocallyaddingham.org.