Traders and shoppers are getting behind a campaign to Keep it local: Keep it Keynsham.

High Street shopkeepers said the campaign, being launched on September 13, would be a great boost for the town where it's possible to buy everything from home-made sausages to snakes.

Rosie Pidcock, 20, who lives in Keynsham, was doing a roaring trade at her jewellery and handbag shop in the High Street, Trigaci.

She said: "I opened the shop just two weeks ago and we have been very busy.

"I am joining in the campaign and will be giving discounts on September 13 and giving a free pair of earrings to customers who spend over £20.

"There's a real community atmosphere in Keynsham. We are lucky to have shops that cater for all age groups."

Martin Clarke, 36, manager of SK Fruits in the High Street, said: "I think the campaign is a good idea for Keynsham.

"A lot of people come here from Bath. They like the local shops in the High Street.

"You've got the greengrocers and there is a traditional butcher's shop at the other end of the street."

Simon Lewis, 42, his wife Debi (c) and their four children moved from Liverpool to take over Keynsham Pet and Garden - which sells reptiles including corn snakes - nine months ago.

He said: "I do believe we need to keep everything local, otherwise the shops will disappear and it will become a ghost town.

"We have a lovely traditional High Street. People are friendly and you can personalise service."

Anne-Marie Fry - no relation to the chocolate factory founders - took over the Clocktower Cafe last November.

She said: "I think the Keep it Local campaign is a great idea.

"Most people come into Keynsham because we have a compact shopping area. It's very convenient and there is level access."

Mrs Fry said she would be holding a raffle on September 13 as part of the campaign launch which will involve discounts at many stores, live music, art workshops, and activities in Keynsham Library.

Children and adults will also have the opportunity to try a wide range of sports including badminton, swimming, kick boxing.

There will be free adult health checks and day passes at Keynsham Leisure Centre, a free-of-charge climbing wall in the High Street and basketball, tennis and hockey at the multisports pitches in Keynsham's Memorial Park.

The event will also include the Keynsham Farmers Market and the Roundhouse Art Trail which includes venues throughout the town, plus Saltford and the surrounding villages.

Bath and North East Somerset Council will lead the campaign with Keynsham Town Council, Keynsham Business Association and More to Life 08 organisers at local churches.

It will highlight the wealth of facilities, activities, organisations and businesses which thrive in Keynsham and is hoped to encourage people to get involved in their community.

The move follows Cadbury's decision to close its Somerdale chocolate factory in 2010 with the loss of 500 jobs.

There are 200 businesses in the town centre and many thriving churches and community groups.

Other plans include the launch of a revamped community website later this year, www.keynsham.co.uk . The site will include news and information about the town and all it has to offer.