A CARD that helps people save money on products from the forest is being launched in Burley this Saturday.

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne and Councillor Barry Rickman, leader of New Forest District Council, will launch the 2014 Brand New Forest card at the Mall from 11am.

Burley was chosen to launch the Brand New Forest card 2014 because 18 of the village’s businesses are Brand New Forest members.

There will be festive refreshments, a name-the- witch competition and a raffle. There will also be a New Forest pony and two Shetland ponies, as well as Pete the Pony and Father Christmas in a New Forest Twizy. Activities will run between 11am and 3pm.

The event will also mark the UK’s inaugural Small Business Saturday, which, it is hoped, will improve the fortunes of the millions of small businesses trying to make a living in the UK.

The Brand New Forest Card offers shoppers a way to save money and support local business at the same time. The card costs £5 per year and gives the holder exclusive offers and discounts at a range of shops, restaurants and activities across the forest.

Small Business Saturday on Saturday, December 7 is a government backed scheme which seeks to raise the profile of small businesses across the UK and encourages people to do business with them. New Forest District Council is offering free car parking in all council-run car parks that day to support the initiative.

For more information go to www.brandnewforest.com.