LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn general election campaign brought him to Barry today (December 7) in support of Vale of Glamorgan candidate, Belinda Loveluck-Edwards.

Mr Corbyn visited the Awesome.Wales zero waste store, in Holton Road, Barry.

He was accompanied by Wales first minister Mark Drakeford and both leaders engaged in a tour of the community interest shop, led by co-owner Stuart Burnell

His visit coincided with Small Business Saturday UK.

The day is a grass roots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.

Mr Corbyn learnt what the shop does before sales assistant Robyn Birch assisted him in making a cappuccino.

Mr Corbyn then sampled Welsh cakes and drank coffee while discussing issues affecting the Vale of Glamorgan.

Speaking to the Barry & District News, on the topic of Small Business Saturday, Mr Corbyn said: “This is a thriving small business that has a zero-waste policy.

"They ask people to bring their jars and things to fill up with new products from here and indeed I have done a nice exchange of jam this morning.

"I’ve taken some Welsh jam and I’ve given them in exchange some blackberry and apple jam made from my allotment.

"We are going to put it on our shelves and then at the same time we’re going to test it together.

"Small business Saturday is about the value of our community to small businesses but also the way in which economically they are treated.

"The Welsh Government has managed to reduce business rates and indeed many small shops are exempt from business rates.

"I want the same done across the whole of the UK because a high street isn’t just a place where you shop. It’s also your sense of belonging, your sense of wellbeing, and your sense of community.

"A thriving High Street indicates a thriving community and small businesses are absolutely essential to a thriving High Street."

He said his Welsh cakes were "beautiful, very nice."

"I’ve eaten Welsh cakes," he said. "I’ve made my own cappuccino following some detailed instructions by the staff and team here and it’s a truly wonderful shop and café.”

And on what he had heard about Barry, Mr Corbyn said: “I’ve heard that Barry Island is the place to be in the summer.

"That Barry Island is the place to go in August and Barry Island is the place where you have a lot of fun.”

Mr Corbyn went on to attend a members’ gathering in the Barry Island Sports & Social Club before continuing on to Swansea.

Prime minister, Boris Johnson visited Barry Island in July this year during his campaign to become leader of the Conservative party

The general election candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

Alun Cairns (Conservative)

Belinda Loveluck-Edwards (Labour)

Anthony Slaughter (Green Party Wales)

Laurence Williams (Gwlad Gwlad)