CASH strapped residents in Keighley are being urged to 'Buy Nowt' in today's Black Friday sales.

A charity that helps people on low incomes made the appeal after research found just one in 20 discounts are genuine.

Bradford District Credit Union said the American sales extravaganzas Black Friday and Cyber Monday – which take place on November November 29 and December 2 – are about making people spend money on Christmas earlier than they naturally would.

A study by Which? this month found that just four of 83 products they studied last year were cheaper during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotions.

Among products cheaper outside of Black Friday were a tumble dryer, smart speaker, coffee maker and TV soundbar.

‘Buy Nowt’ is returning for its third year as it puts a Yorkshire twist on the international Buy Nothing Day which campaigns against poverty caused by consumer debt and excess.

The Anti-Poverty Events Group – made up of the Bradford District Credit Union, People Can, CNET, Bradford Council, Stronger Families and Carers Resource – have organised the event with Artworks.

Keighley residents are invited to discover how much fun they can have without spending a penny. Through creative activities, families can also learn how to make their own Christmas presents and housing associations will be on hand to give benefit and debt advice that is also supported by the Keighley Town Mayor.

Ian Brewer, financial inclusion officer for Bradford District Credit Union, said: "Black Friday and Cyber Monday are American ideas to get people to spend their Christmas money earlier. That's better for the online shopping giants but not all discounts are as big as they make out, partly because sometimes they inflate prices during the last six months to reduce them back down to the same.

"I've always made clear we're not anti-business and we're not against people making use of the deals but for some people this will force them to have to go to high cost lenders and loan sharks.

"Our message is to keep your money in your pocket until you need it, rather than spend it early. Don't spend your money too early and always budget before you spend."

An alternative Buy Nowt event will take place at Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley on Friday November 29 between 3pm-6pm.

The Keighley town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, plans to attend to meet participants.

Talking about previous years, Ian said: "All of past participants have said how much they much appreciated attending.

"Some people feel generally isolated knowing they can't spend on Black Friday so the opportunity with our event is helping people feel good about themselves.

"The mental health and wellbeing aspect is really important.

"This is a unique project that has been funded this year by ‘Give Bradford’ and has not been done anywhere else in the country."

BCB106.6FM, the Community Radio station for Bradford, will also be in attendance..

There will also be an Alternative Black Friday in Bradford on November 29 at Theatre in the Mill, Centenary Square between 3pm-6pm.