Keighley people are being urged to support the town’s independent businesses.

Keighley Town Centre Association (KTCA) made the plea as it threw its weight behind national Independents’ Day, a campaign supporting local retailers.

The town has seen several long-established businesses close in the past 18 months, including Reids Bookshop, Moldai Studios and Willis Walker. The latest to shut, last weekend, was Stables Butchers.

KTCA manager Philip Smith said: “In Keighley, if everyone spent £5 a week in independent businesses it would amount to over £13m a year going into the local economy.”

Businesses in the town are displaying posters and promoting what they offer in the run-up to Independents’ Day on Wednesday, when people will be encouraged to buy at least one item from a local, independent shop.

Behind the initiative is Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail.

Head of the academy, Jane Rexworthy, said: “We are delighted to lead this campaign. Independents’ Day will highlight the huge range of skills successful independent retailers need to make our towns and cities such interesting and varied places.

“The National Skills Academy or Retail offers a wide range of support to retailers to help them get ahead. It is essential independent retailers understand that to compete they have to have the best people as well as products.”

People can follow the campaign on Twitter @Retail _IndieDay, facebook.com/ independentsday or at retailindieday.com.

l A KTCA Jubilee shop window display competition was won by DIY Solutions in Cavendish Street.