NEWPORT Bus have backed Shop Local Saturday in the city by reducing all fares in zone one and Cwmbran to a flat rate of 50p on Saturday.

Anyone travelling into the city on the day via bus can also enter themselves in a prize draw to win an annual bus ticket that’s worth £860.

The Shop Local initiative, which is a national scheme, is an attempt to get people supporting local businesses and trades by buying from them instead of national chains.

Each business which takes part will be offering special discounts and prizes on the day which it is hoped will entice people to the centre.

And now Newport Bus have made it cheaper than ever by offering all journeys in zone one – which covers all of Newport – and Cwmbran for just 50p.

It would normally cost £1.60 for a single fare but it will be less than a third of that for the whole day on December 7.

Scott Pearson, managing director of Newport Bus, said: “We are doing this to offer our support to Shop Local Saturday.

“We know the high streets are dying but why should they when we can all make an effort to bring them back to life.

“Newport Bus are doing this to help get people back into Newport city centre.”

To be in with a chance of winning one of two annual bus tickets, you have to send your bus ticket from December 7 to Newport Bus along with your name, address, postcode and email address.

In three weeks’ time, the winners will be selected and issued with their bus passes for the next year.

“This is a great chance to win a valuable pass,” added Mr Pearson.

“The ticket will cover all of our services in zone one and zone two.

“We are trying to get people into the city and shopping here so hopefully this will help.”

Over 20 businesses are signed up to take part in Shop Local Saturday at the moment with more still coming forward to support the initiative every day.

Each stall or shop participating will be displaying a poster to highlight offers that they have on.

* ECONOMY Minister Edwina Hart has backed Welsh people to support independent traders on the first Small Business Saturday on December 7.

The Minister said: “This first Saturday in December is traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the run up to Christmas and a great opportunity for people to support their local community and local economy by using local independent traders.

“There are literally tens of thousands of small businesses in Wales, all offering great products and great services and I would urge everyone to make a concerted effort to support these independent businesses starting on Small Business Saturday.

“Small and medium sized enterprises are the lifeblood of the Welsh economy and need local support to survive and thrive. Small Business Saturday gives us the opportunity to celebrate these great businesses and gives them a chance to raise their profile and generate business.

“Their on-going success is also essential if we want to have bustling and vibrant centres in our towns and villages so I hope that those who take up this challenge will not only discover the benefits of buying from local independent traders but will continue to support them in the future.”

The Welsh Government is also promoting Marketplace Wales events on Twitter and Facebook. They provide small businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products.