Accrington has submitted its bid to the Government for Portas Pilot status.



Government bosses are expecting that around 300 towns and cities nationwide will bid for a 'Golden Ticket' to high street revival.



Accrington’s Town Team has received eight letters of support for inclusion in its bid from local partners.





They include the owners of the Arndale Centre, Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, Accrington and Rossendale College and the Observer, as well as pledges from a further 34 independent town centre traders.



The bid will focus on creating a Hyndburn Business Hub, to maximise the opportunities in the town, including Broadway, the Arndale and the market hall.



A video to accompany the submission has been put together by Rishton councillor Ken Moss and is now available to view on YouTube following the expiry of the bid deadline today.



The film evokes things which you associate with Accrington and Hyndburn including the Accrington Pals, Nori brick, Accrington Stanley, David Bumble Lloyd and author Jeanette Winterson.



It ends: "We hope you share our enthusiasm and give us the opportunity to become a Portas Pilot and show the rest of Great Britain what can be achieved with the right attitude."



The Portas Pilot winners are expected to be announced in May.



The Observer is campaigning for Accrington to be named one of the 12 ‘Portas’ towns or cities.



Each winner will receive a share of a  £1m cash injection to help breathe new life into their respective high streets or shopping areas.



The selected spots will also get help and guidance from retail guru Mary Portas.