The initiative has been organised by Allerdale Borough Council and is a showcase of all that is great about Allerdale’s high streets and villages, and the independent businesses which are making their mark there.

New pages on the Visit Allerdale website are being created to highlight some of the people who do business in the borough, and a social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram is also raising awareness of the diverse range of attractions here.

The free-to-enter competition features a fun animation and viewers just need to answer one easy question. The hampers will contain goodies from each of Allerdale’s towns – Aspatria, Cockermouth, Keswick, Maryport, Silloth, Wigton and Workington. There are gifts, homewares, food and drink, vouchers and experiences, all provided by this area’s amazing array of businesses.

Councillor Mike Johnson, Leader of Allerdale Borough Council and executive member for economic growth, said: “Every town in Allerdale has its own distinctive offer and that’s why this is such a great place to shop locally, whether you are lucky enough to live here or are a visitor.

“The wealth of independent producers, retailers and hospitality businesses, sitting alongside some of the biggest national names, makes the borough a really attractive place to be.

“But there is more to shopping locally in Allerdale than just what you can buy. It’s about the experience – finding things that you’re unlikely to stumble across on the internet.

“There’s the customer service too. Being able to have a chat with the person you’re buying from, them asking your name and you learning theirs, the cheerful wave through the shop window as you walk by, and being able to return again because you’ve discovered a place you love.

“That’s why we’ve launched this campaign and why we can’t shout loudly enough about everything we have to offer.”

To enter the competition, watch the short film on the Visit Allerdale website and answer one simple question about it. No purchase is necessary and the competition closes at midnight on 31 January. Terms and conditions apply – see the website for details.

Notes:

The cost of the Shop Local Allerdale campaign is funded by HM Government's Welcome Back Fund funded by ERDF, the European Regional Development Fund.