Now it's time to think local.

(From Western Morning News)

Spend just GBP10 with independent businesses in Tavistock and you stand to generate GBP50 for the local economy. By anyone's measure, a five-fold return is a sound investment.

That is what the Western Morning News saw when it visited the fiercely independent market town - and the economic, social and environmental benefits are why we are urging readers to do the same in their community: Think Local.

Following the GBP10 in Tavistock is illuminating.

A humble Cornish pasty bought at The Original Pasty House is good for long-standing town butchers Paul and Jenny Howell, who supply the meat filling, and Gulworthy farmer Colin Edwards, who in turn is the Howells' main supplier.

Supply chain aside, local traders intuitively Think Local. Be it a coffee and sandwich at lunch, a new suit or a fresh lick of paint, independents tend to support each other.

This is good for local jobs and reduces carbon emissions, and the modest GBP10 spend has now passed through more than just the shopkeeper's till by touching local …