Two Salisbury mums set up Facebook group to help people 'shop local'

I Buy Local!-Salisbury aims to champion local businesses and help customers support them.

It's been set up by Elizabeth Coombes, who runs her own bakery business, Queen of Bundts, long with Celeste Moran who runs zero waste refill service Blueberry Den.

Businesses in Salisbury and the surrounding area are encouraged to post on the site and those showcased so far include art prints, food hampers, children's teepees and bags made from recycled equestrian items.

Members of the group can ask for help finding a specific item with the group connecting them to like minded firms.

Elizabeth told Greatest hits Radio she was inspired by her own experience to get creative.

"I started a little bakery business back in March the week before lockdown and I didn't expect it to take off. A lot of people wanted to send brownies and cakes to friends locally because they couldn't get out to see them. It made me think how important it was that local businesses, especially at that time were supporting each other. We were totally reliant on each other.The"

Elizabeth was also inspired by another local Facebook Salisbury Mums Chat having seen on the popular site how there was a real desire to support local this Christmas.

Elizabeth she's been amazed by the response .

"It's been astonishing. The feedback has been incredible both by businesses and individuals saying this is exactly what we wanted, everything is in one place. I've had messages from people that have received orders as a result of the group which is brilliant. The more people that shop locally the more we can help Salisbury."