A business group promoting shopping within Cross Hills has launched a new venture

South Craven Together – a group of more than 20 traders – is staging a prize draw encouraging people to support the village’s shops.

Anyone spending £5 or more in a participating outlet throughout this month will receive a special stamp. Once six stamps are collected, the shopper can enter the draw with the chance of winning £50, £70 or £100 in vouchers.

Among businesses backing the initiative is Airedale Opticians, in Main Street. Founder and owner, Mohammed Hafejee, said: “The group aims to encourage people to save themselves time and hassle by shopping locally rather than heading into town.

“By doing this, people are not only supporting the local community and economy, but receive a friendly service from local faces and great value too.”

He said a report published by the Federation of Small Businesses concluded that for every £1 spent in a local independent business, between 50p and 70p circulated back into the local economy, compared to just 5p when £1 is spent out of town.

Mr Hafejee added: “The findings of the report confirm our event’s motto – ‘Shop Local, Appreciate The Benefits’.

“All people need to do to take part is look for businesses with the ‘Shop Local’ sign – more than 20 independent shops have it, including a butcher, gift shop, pet shop, shoe shop, florist, stationers, hair and beauty salons, cafes, restaurants, sandwich shops and postal services.

“People can enter the draw as many times as they wish. Simply pick up or ask for another leaflet to collect more stamps.”

Deadline for entries is October 4 and the draw will be made the following day. See the group’s https://www.facebook.com/SouthCravenTogether page.