Shoppers will be encouraged to leave their cars at home and visit their local shops on October 5, the Federation of Wholesale Distributors' (FWD) Walk and Shop Day.

The day will be marked with supplier activity in selected stores, including winners of the My Shop is Your Shop Community Award.

A poster reminding customers of the advantages of regular visits to their local independent is available to download at www.myshopisyourshop.co.uk.

The poster and campaign carries the message that in addition to reducing food waste and saving on the cost of petrol, walking to the shops provides healthy exercise and gives customers a chance to meet their neighbours.

Shopping closer to home also reduces the environmental impact of driving and keeps money in the community, it adds.

"We're asking the public to consider making a smaller weekly shop and strolling down to their local store once or twice a week to see what it has to offer," says FWD chief executive James Bielby.