THE Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle has backed a campaign by comedians Jason Manford and Justin Moorhouse.

The comic duo have appealed for people to give advent calendars to local foodbanks in the run up to the festive period.

A centre spokeswoman said: "In support of our local community, we are backing Jason Manford and Justin Moorhouse and their initiative for donating advent calendars to food banks and we have decided to start a collection here at the Civic."

The Oswaldtwistle food bank is open at Rhyddings Methodist Church, in Chapel Street, from 1pm until 5pm on Mondays.

The spokeswoman added: "Give an underprivileged local child a Christmas to remember by donating an advent calendar or a selection box. We will start the ball rolling by donating the first 20 advent calendars."