A former Apprentice star is backing a scheme to get shoppers to spend locally in Pendle this Christmas.

Azhar Siddique is supporting Pendle Council’s Festive Fandango, which promotes independent shops in Barnoldswick, Colne and Nelson.

The scheme was launched earlier this month to get people to support local shops in the run up to Christmas – and beyond.

Azhar, a candidate on Apprentice in 2012, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which will really help to breathe new life into Pendle’s towns.”

Hanna Latty, Pendle’s town centres officer, said: “Shoppers can request a Festive Fandango sticker whenever they spend £5 or more in participating independent shops, cafés, hairdressers or beauticians.

“Collect five stickers from five different places before handing in your completed Festive Fandango postcard and you’ll immediately be given a voucher book packed full of fantastic offers.”

Every postcard will also be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper, with theatre tickets, gift vouchers, a dinner for two and other gifts.Azhar, who is originally from Colne, will draw the winner in January.

A list of businesses participating in the Fandango can be found on pendle.gov.uk/ celebratewhatsgreat.