THE Tything in Worcester is lined with historic buildings that are home to a wealth of independent businesses.

The street boasts half a dozen pubs, office space and a variety of shops from bridal shops to hardware stores, not to mention numerous restaurants and antique shops.

Wedding photographer Angela Lloyd-James, one of many traders from the area backing our backing our Buy Local campaign, has been based there for 25 years.

She said: “In this climate it’s especially important to support what is local and for us, as traders, to recommend other small businesses to customers. If people don’t use us, they will lose us.”

When the Tything first developed in the 16th century it was outside the city boundary and has always been independent from the city centre.

Today Mrs Lloyd-James’s studio is joined by bridal gown shops, the Natural Health Therapy Centre, Toadstool vintage shop, the La Tienda gift store, as well as United Footwear, the Osteopath Clinic, PJ Workwear and Jenades deli. There are also two music stores, Music City and 7th Wave.

The arrival of Tesco Express on adjoining Foregate Street has had an impact, but has not stopped newsagent M & R attracting customers.

Loll Newman opened her treasure trove of a shop, Toadstool Vintage, last September. She said: “More people are seeking out independent shops. They’re looking for something different you won’t find on the high street.”

Pledging to support Buy Local, she added: “It’s really important to support independent shops. We all help each other. I’ll often send people to the cafe.”

Jenades offers a delicious range of homemade dishes made from local produce and is also a member of Heart of England Fine Foods, a group that has been backing Buy Local from the start.