Last month the Observer launched its Shop Local campaign to get our town centres buzzing this Christmas and we received a fantastic response with more than 100 independent businesses taking part across the borough.

From butchers to barbers to flower shops and music shops, thousands of people have treated themselves with their Shop Local Card, saving thousands of pounds towards their Christmas shopping.

Shop owners have praised the campaign for reinvigorating our town centres and highlighting the benefits of shopping local.

Thomas Robertson, owner of Robertsons Reef and Reptile in Accrington, said: "We have had dozens of people come into the shop after seeing our offer in the paper and we are really glad we have taken part.

"They have taken advantage of the offers and have also spent money on other things whilst they were there. It’s had a great knock-on effect."

Claire Stewart, co-owner of The Sweetie Den in Great Harwood, said the campaign has helped to bring lots of new faces into the shop.

She said: "We have been busy with the Shop Local and it has been talked about a lot. We have had new faces coming in all the time who didn’t know who we were which has been really lovely."

Gemma McMullen, from the One Planet shop in Accrington, said the Shop Local campaign has been a boost to local suppliers. She said: "We have had people come in for the Shop Local and some new customers and it’s been really good. One Planet is about supporting local suppliers and this campaign really fits in with that.

"Hopefully those people who visited us will come back again now they see what we have to offer."

Hyndburn Mayor Colette McCormack, who owns two shops on Warner Street in Accrington, said the feedback from shoppers and residents has been ‘brilliant’.

She said: "I would like to say a massive thanks to the Observer for their initiative in taking up the campaign as everyone I have spoken to has loved it. It has worked really well. I would also like to thank the public who have taken this on board and supported their local traders. It really is a team effort."