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HOW many times have you been into Nottingham's city centre and spent a day exclusively exploring independently-owned shops, cafes and restaurants?

As part of Independents' Month, we're being encouraged to try out locally-owned businesses which make our city unique.

Student Chelcie Mayhew, 18, of Alfreton, was crowned Miss Nottingham at Colwick Hall in April before representing the city in Miss England.

Hard-working Chelcie has also just completed her A-levels, so she was treated to a special day out as the guest of the Nottingham Retail and Leisure Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to help show just what the city has to offer.

The BIDs are promoting a range of exclusive offers during the month.

These are all available through the free online reward scheme at www.VIPinNottingham.com. In addition, the BIDs have launched a competition – Your Favourite Independent – sponsored by the Post, giving readers the chance to vote for their favourite place and win £100 to spend there. (See the competition panel on page 22 of today's Post.)

Read on to discover which treats caught Chelcie's eye on her whirl around the shops, salons, cafes and restaurants...

Chelcie starts the day with a latte and pastry at Atlas in Pelham Street. The deli cafe has been in the city for 15 years and for the past four years it has been run by Phil Challice.

Known for its freshly-made sandwiches and salads, Atlas also welcomes customers in the morning to enjoy a hot drink and something sweet before the lunch hour rush.

VIP deal: Any hot drink and three mini pastries, £3.95, from 10am until midday.

Offer ends: August 31.

Just two doors down from Atlas is Gray and Bull, an opticians which has been in the same location in Pelham Street since 1939.

As well as specs, they have a range of sunglasses from designers such as Gucci, Diesel and Radley.

After trying out a few pairs, Chelcie opts for a £160 black Calvin Klein pair with tortoiseshell detail on the arms – and receives a great discount.

She says: "I love them. They're black, so they'll go with everything. I'm planning on going to Marbella this summer, so they'll be perfect for then."

VIP deal: Up to 50 per cent off a range of designer sunglasses.

Offer ends: September 30.

Saving: £80

Chelcie's next independent shop stop is the Bag Company in Wheeler Gate. Owned by husband and wife Yunos and Claire Vali, it's been there for 21 years.

They sell a huge range of designer leather bags from Radley, Tula, Texier and The Bridge.

After nearly being tempted by a tan bag by Texier, Chelcie eventually decided on a black bag by Katona which is for sale for £135.

She says: "It was hard to choose but I thought this one was a classic shape and it's a good size."

VIP deal: 20 per cent discount on all non-reduced items.

Offer ends: July 31.

Paid: £108

Saving: £27

After a busy morning, Chelcie decides to take a leisurely lunch at Yamas, Thurland Street. The restaurant is family-owned with Cyprus-born Savas Ktori and his two sons, Michael and George, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Nottingham.

Chelcie joins her mum Pamela Mayhew for a £10 meze lunch which just keeps coming.

She says: "The staff are really nice. Greek food is something that I've not had before. We've had Greek salad, a pasta dish and some beef stew. We'll definitely be bringing some of our friends back here."

VIP deal: £10 per person for a meze lunch.

Offer ends: July 15.

After covering a good few miles in very high heels, Chelcie's in need of some pampering. She goes to First Impressions on Maid Marian Way to get a manicure and pedicure from beautician Sarah Nickels. The salon has been running for 18 years and is locally owned by Sue Johal.

Chelcie says: "I chose coral for my toenails because I think it's a nice bright colour for summer – if we ever have one, that is!"

VIP deal: Manicure and pedicure for £30, normally £48

Offer ends: August 31.

Saving: £18

Chelcie's last shopping stop is to Anderson's in King Street. The florist is celebrating its 40th year with owner Brian Skelhorn at the helm for all of that time. The 65-year-old is an accomplished florist who has judged flower competitions all over the world.

Chelcie wanted a bouquet of pink blooms to give to her mum and dad to thank them for all of their help since she's been crowned Miss Nottingham.

She gave them the theme of pink and a budget of £35 and let Brian and his team get creative.

She says: "They're beautiful. The colours are perfect and I love lilies, they're my favourite."

VIP deal: 10 per cent off any purchase over £30 in store

Paid: £31.50

Saving: £3.50

The busy day of shopping and eating finishes with afternoon tea in The Walk Cafe, in Bridlesmith Walk. This little tea shop is famous for its afternoon tea. Chelcie and her mum enjoyed a bit of fizz with their Prosecco afternoon tea which is normally £18 per person.

Chelcie says: "It came with three tiers of food – with triangle sandwiches, cheesecake and scones with jam and cream. It was nice to relax after all of that shopping."

VIP deal: 15 per cent off bill.

Paid: £30.60

Saving: £5.40

Throughout the day Chelcie bagged some bargains which, with the VIP deals, managed to save more than £133.

To get vouchers and deals for independent shops in Nottingham, visit www.VIPinNottingham.com/shopping.