A CHRISTMAS flyer has been launched by shops and businesses in the town centre to boost trade over the festive period.

More than 50 shops and services have joined together to fund the flyer and follows a successful summer campaign which saw the town enjoy an upturn in sales.

The flyer will be sent out to all 37,000 homes in Hyndburn over the next two weeks and will also be handed out to primary schools, leisure centres and libraries.

It includes shopping information, details of the town's Christmas lights switch-on, late night shopping details and a full list of festive entertainment.

Zain Kiyani, manager of Accrington Arndale Centre, said the leaflets are a 'fantastic way of shouting about all the great things our town has to offer'.

He said: “We’re seeing fresh investment in the town just this month as we prepare to open a new food court in the Arndale featuring a Burger King, a noodle bar, a pizzeria and a new café.

“It’s time we joined forces to remind people what’s special about their town.”

Julie O’Hara, from Barbara Kay Shoes, said the leaflet launch comes at a time when Hyndburn

shoppers are keen to embrace their local retailers.

After posting on Facebook about a customer criticising Accrington’s independent shops, Julie said she received a deluge of supportive comments from Hyndburn shoppers.

She said: “The level of support we received was overwhelming – our likes, shares and comments

were through the roof which proves our customers agree we give more personal customer service

than bigger high street shops – in fact, most of our customers end up as friends.

“It’s so important to support your independents or the little shops that make each town that bit different will end up going.”

The leaflet has been designed and printed by Scott Dawson Advertising and the project has been backed by Hyndburn Council.