HASLEMERE is set for a day of celebration with the town council ready to host its Back in Business open day this weekend.

Held in collaboration with the Haslemere Chamber of Trade, the event will take place on Saturday.

Haslemere town mayor Councillor John Robini said: “The town council is committed to supporting our local retailers at this very difficult time and has been working with the chamber of trade on a Back in Business campaign aimed at supporting businesses as they reopen – this has gone down very well in the town.

“I am very much looking forward to welcoming shoppers – safely – to Haslemere, Wey Hill and Hindhead/Beacon Hill during the day on Saturday.

“We really do hope Saturday’s Back in Business event will show our residents that Haslemere is truly back in business and encourage them to #shoplocal where they can.”

Councillor Robini also created a video message to the town, giving advice on how to welcome shoppers safely. To view the video, visit https://tinyurl.com/yx8urdp9

The event will also coincide with the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, with the open day taking on a 1940s theme in commemoration.

Businesses throughout the town are invited to take part in a best-dressed window competition, which Cllr Robini will judge.

“Myself and a small number of councillors and invited guests will remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Far East and ultimately brought an end to the Second World War,” he added.

Visitors can also take part in a treasure hunt, with 1940s music to be played throughout a system across the town.

Deputy town mayor Councillor Simon Dear added: “It’s great to be able to use my Second World War Jeep to be able to help celebrate the Back In Business initiative as well as to offer a tribute, in a small way, to the sacrifice of those who gave so much.

“Servicemen and women gave us victory 75 years ago. The victory that secured freedom, the victory that secured democracy.

“My 1943 Jeep will be parked on the green in High Street, we’ll be playing 1940s music and I’ll be handing out entry forms for the town treasure hunt – with a first prize of £100 to spend in town!”