Town celebrates link to Mayflower

An historic Surrey market town has celebrated its links with America's Pilgrim Fathers with an 'Independents Day' event.

Dorking's independent shops were decorated for 4 July and a replica of the Mayflower ship "sailed" up the High Street.

Pilgrim Father William Mullins, a prosperous shoemaker, was born in West Street and once owned numbers 58 to 61.

He sailed to Virginia aboard the Mayflower with his family.

West Street traders were holding their summer festival in aid of Dorking charity, the Brigitte Trust, which supports people with life-threatening illness.

"Dorking is a unique town and Independents Day is an ingenious way to celebrate," said councillor Chris Hunt.