DARWEN’S MP has launched a fresh plea for residents to get behind independent shops in the final week of a competition to crown the area’s best.

The competition, organised by Jake Berry, runs until 5pm on Friday and has been asking local people to vote for their favourite independent retailer.

Every voter is entered into a raffle to win a £50 voucher and prizes for the winning shops include professional marketing sessions and a tour of Parliament plus lunch with Mr Berry.

The MP said: “This competition is a small way of letting our local retailers know how much we appreciate and support them. Here in Darwen, we are really lucky to have many wonderful and unique independent shops who are the life blood of our communities.

“So far, more than 4,000 votes have been cast, but it is still very close and every vote really does count.”

For more information, and to vote, visit: www.mybestlocalshop.co.uk.