INDEPENDENT business owners and community groups in Weaverham are invited to join a new event of mutual support.

The first session of the Weaverham and District Independent Business and Networking Group will take place at the Hanging Gate, in Sandy Lane, on Wednesday, October 15.

It has been set up by Weaverham parish councillor Gillian Edwards.

"The purpose of the group, which we hope will become a quarterly event, is to meet informally with peers and community groups to work together offering help and support where necessary and promote local businesses via groups and organisations," she said.

"In the future we plan to invite relevant guest speakers, however the initial meeting is to establish what people would like to gain from the group and move forward based on their valuable input."

The first session is an informal drop in, giving people the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business or group.

Sessions are free but to register attendance email Gillian at gedwardsweaverham@hotmail.co.uk