Members of Tayside Fire and Rescue were at the 1st Stop 2 Shop store in Fintry Drive along with Ivy The Terrible to help hand out goodies to local children at lunchtime.

Community safety officer Robert Butter said it was very important for the fire service to work in partnership with local community stores.

Store proprietor Mohammed Issa was awarded the National Retailer Hero Award earlier this year for his outstanding contribution to the community.

He was also awarded the MBE in 2004 for race and community relations and was Dundee’s Citizen of the Year in 1997.

Pricekracker in Fintry Road held a fund-raising event with a piper and dancers to raise money for Caring for Kids.

T in the Park tickets were competition prizes.

Forfar Road Service Station also joined in the festivities, pledging £1000 to Mill o’ Mains Youth Community.

Research released today to coincide with National Independents’ Day suggests most independent shopkeepers fear local community spirit is threatened by supermarket expansion.

Dundee is often referred to as a ‘trolley town’, and the events held today highlighted the fact community shops have a vital role in local life.