The calendar will showcase businesses of all shapes and sizes from across the borough throughout December, as well activities and offers taking place on Small Business Saturday, via Twitter and Facebook.

On Small Business Saturday, December 7, the council has teamed up with the staff at Halesowen Bid, who are providing 14 free market stalls in Somers Square, Halesowen to existing small businesses in and around the town centre, including Dancers, Base 63 and SkateHut, to help promote the products and services they offer.

There will also be children’s entertainment available and a local gym will be doing fitness demonstrations.

In Dudley town centre the council has been working with Tudor Markets to offer 10 free market stalls on Dudley Market to existing businesses in the town, including Black Country T Shirts and to a number of start-up businesses who came forward following a request from Dudley Council. There will also be entertainment on throughout the day in the town centre by local performers.

In Brierley Hill, shoppers to the town’s regular market will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto and listen to music by the George Formby Society while they shop.

In Stourbridge they can support local makers and browse unique handmade products at the local festive makers market, from 10am to 5pm at General Office Gallery.

Alan Lunt, deputy chief executive at Dudley Council, said:

"As part of the Dudley Deal we’re doing our bit for local businesses by cutting red tape and simplifying how we work with them.

"We’re asking residents to also play their part by shopping local on Small Business Saturday and in fact every day of the year to help create and build thriving and prosperous businesses in our town centres.

"We already have fantastic examples of small businesses in our borough, which are providing quality products and services and contributing significantly to our local economy. Please get behind our traders and shop local this Christmas time."

Café Grande on Stone Street in Dudley town centre is taking part in the advent calendar and will be offering 10 per cent off all hot drinks on Saturday December 7.

Martyn Williams, owner of Café Grande, said:

"We are delighted to be taking part in the Small Business Saturday campaign and our Dudley Council advent calendar reveal includes a special saving offer for our customers

"It is very important that people support their local businesses and high street this Christmas and I would like to thank everyone in Dudley for their ongoing custom, it is our customers who make it so rewarding."

People can view the calender @dudleymbc on Twitter and @Dudleyborough on Facebook.