THRIFTY shoppers know many bargains and BOGOF deals are to be found in the aisles of supermarket giants – but eagle-eyed customers can save a significant amount of cash by shopping locally.

We spent hours combing Old Coulsdon, Coulsdon, Purley and Selsdon to find a shopping list of everyday items with price tags that Tesco and Sainsbury's simply could not beat.

Whether it is pet food, crisps, meat or passport pictures you are after, bypassing the major chains can save you money and help to save our shops.

Animal lovers will like being able to pick up a 3kg bag of Iams from Coulsdon Pets Centre for £9.99, instead of £13.99 at Tesco or £14.69 at Sainsbury's.

And strapped-for-cash students who desperately need to print off coursework are sure to appreciate the £11.48 saving on Canon black ink cartridges at Marsh's Stationers in Coulsdon.

Owner Vijay Upadhyaya said: "I know they are more expensive in Tesco because once when my delivery was running late I had to go out and get one for my daughter when she needed to print out her homework.

"It was twice the price.

"I think people are underestimating small shops – we give an individual service.

"You could have ten items in your basket at a supermarket and buy only two items that are on special offer."

Coughlans Patisserie, in Chipstead Valley Road, is also out to help its loyal customers save pennies, while offering the freshest bread and cakes around.

Manager Debbie Hardy said: "We've been running meal deals for the past few weeks and it's really been kicking off.

"The quality is much better and you get that customer contact."

The bakery also has its own bargains of the day – a basket full of goodies at knock-down prices.

Customers can pick up a bag of four mixed rolls for just 69p.

Debbie added: "Because our bread is fresh every day, we take 30 per cent off rolls from the day before but they last and they're fine.

"They don't have any of the preservatives in them like some brands either."

Purley Bon Bon newsagents is also hiding a useful money-saving secret.

Armed with a camera, owner Katan Patel provides a passport picture service with a personal touch – at £1.50 cheaper than the supermarkets.

He said: "It's £3.50 for four pictures and it's instant – all done in 30 seconds.

"It's much cheaper and we give a good service."

Parents with demanding mouths to feed can do so at a snip with the help of Smallworths in Selsdon.

The tribute to Woolworths in Addington Road sells a variety bag containing 24 packs of Walkers crisps for the slashed price of £2.99 – a saving of £1.39.

As one supermarket giant is keen to point out: every little helps.