Ottery residents and visitors are being urged to spend their money with local, independent businesses over the next two weeks.

The town is taking part in Magic Tenner Fortnight, a new Totally Locally campaign, from Saturday, October 7 until Saturday 21.

It promotes the message that when you spend £10 with a local business, up to £50 goes back into the local economy. Keeping the money circulating locally leads to shops staying open, wages being paid and local traders getting more business. However, shopping online or with big chains means nearly all the money leaves the town, except for the relatively small amount paid by chain stores to their local employees.

Participating businesses in Ottery will be offering special £10 deals as an extra incentive.

Ottery St Mary's deputy mayor Cllr Dean Stewart said: "Magic Tenner is a great initiative that promotes local shops. Every pound spent in our town goes towards local salaries, local suppliers and local trades and services. We have a great selection of independent shops and I hope everyone checks out the offers available and finds something they want."

Magic Tenner is supported by the British Independent Retailers Association and is a follow-on to Fiver Fest, which used to take place in Ottery but hasn't happened for a few years. The initiatives are based on research by The New Economics Foundation indicating that local independent businesses tend to spend their income with several other local businesses, tradespeople and suppliers.

Here are some of the special offers being made in Ottery during Magic Tenner Fortnight. Other businesses will be promoting theirs as the fortnight gets under way.

Roberts: Halloween bundle or a Dri Pack products bundle. 

Coffee Bank: Graze plate with sandwich, crisps, cheese or plain scone and two slices of Sarah’s creation tray bake cake. 

Prospect Beauty: Take-away pedicure kit and £15 voucher when booking your next visit. 

Rabbit & Co: Hunk of cheese and four ciders. 

The New Economics Foundation (NEF) is a registered charity, funded by individual supporters, trusts, business, public finance and international donors. Acting through policy, research, training and practical initiatives it promotes a 'new' economy – one which is people-centred, delivers quality of life and respects environmental limits