Independents Week has officially begun and, like the weather, things are heating up.

Retailers gathered in Salisbury's Marketplace today for the official launch of the campaign aimed at generating support for the city's 180 businesses that bring their unique offer to local trading.

Among those attending the event were Paul Henderson (Henderson's Artisan Bakery), Debbie Norton (Pure Comfort Furnishings) and Natalie Ashton (Oso Boutique).

Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Andrew Roberts, was there to lend his support for the event which runs until this Saturday - July 4th.

Many of the businesses are offering incentives during the week, with regular updates promised from their facebook page: www.facebook.com/SalisburyIndependentsweek

The Journal has also given its backing with an invitation to its readers and other visitors to the city to vote for their favourite Independent outlet in three categories - Retail; Health & Beauty; Food & Drink.

To vote all you have to do is send your nomination(s) to independents@salisburyjournal.co.uk (put Best Retailer or other cateogry in the subject box). Voters who pick the winner in each category will be drawn out of a hat and one will receive a bottle of champagne. The winning businesses will receive £500 worth of advertising with Salisbury Newspapers.

Deadline for entries is tomorrow June 30th.