AN innovative high street service aiming to help independent businesses bounce-back from the pandemic is to launch tomorrow.

Click It Local, the new virtual service, will allow residents to purchase from any participating shop and have it delivered on the same day.

From weekly food essentials, gifts and treats – customers can buy everything they need from as many stores as they like.

The service will also allow users to purchase clothes and last-minute basics, with one payment and one delivery.

The scheme’s founder, Steve Koch, said: “Click It Local is a virtual high street which enables residents to buy from any independent shop and have it delivered straight to their door on the same day.

“Our mission is to help save high streets and independent stores across the UK by making shopping local easier and faster.”

The scheme has been announced in partnership with Tendring Council.

Tom Gardiner, head of economic growth at the council, encouraged businesses to sign up for the initiative and for residents to shop using it.

He said: “Click It Local is a great way to discover local small businesses and support them by shopping through the platform.

“Not only are you helping keep your spending pounds local, but you can find some fantastic locally-made products – and if you want, get them delivered straight to your door – helping Tendring get back to business.”

Stores which have already signed up to the service include Flowers At The Mill, East Coast Distillery, Waffle on Clacton and Bumbles Grocers.

The launch is part of an Essex-wide scheme which will serve multiple towns across the county.

It means customers can shop at businesses from right across Essex and have them delivered to their door, which shops can reach customers from the other side of the county.

Businesses interested in finding out more about signing up with Click It Local can contact hello@clickitlocal.co.uk.