NEW Forest District Council marked the UK’s inaugural Small Business Saturday on Saturday by waiving charges in all its car parks and introducing the 2014 Brand New Forest card.

The card was officially launched in Burley by council leader Barry Rickman and New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne.

Burley was selected as the Brand New Forest village for 2014 as 18 of the village’s businesses are signed up to the scheme.

The Brand New Forest card is a way for people to save money and support local business at the same time. The card costs £5 per year and gives exclusive offers and discounts at a range of shops, restaurants and other businesses across the Forest. The cards are available to buy from participating businesses and council information offices, as well as online. Find details at brandnewforest.com.

Cllr Rickman said: “The New Forest is a very special place and we need a vibrant and resilient local economy to help keep it that way.

“Small Business Saturday has given us an opportunity to show our support for our towns and villages and also to highlight the work we do all year round to back local businesses.”