A SINGING sensation from the Ribble Valley is set to become one of the best known faces in East Lancashire after the launch of a new initiative.

Rising star Hannah Spurgeon from Clitheroe has been chosen to front the 'Blackburn . . . be surprised' campaign, organised by Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID).

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Hannah, who picked up a prize at the Lancashire Telegraph-backed Reidy's Talent Contest last year, will feature on the back of buses, billboards and magazines as part of the new scheme to boost shopping in Blackburn town centre.

The 20-year-old, who performs in a duo called The Remedy, worked with Stephen Caton of Source Creative to lend her face to the advert after previously working with BID during the Blackburn Heritage Festival.

With her natural positivity and charisma she was chosen as a role model for visitors when she was selected by the creative team.

For former Ribblesdale High School pupil has previously been coached by Sue Sykora, founder of the Clitheroe Pop Choir.

Harriet Roberts, Blackburn BID manager, said: "Hannah was a delight to work with - she has very generously given her time and image to back this campaign.

"We are looking forward to working with her as the campaign develops through the year."

The Remedy performed on the pop-up bandstand at the recent Blackburn Heritage Festival and Hannah is a regular visitor to the town.

Hannah said: "My roots are in Blackburn actually. My nana lives in Ewood, my uncle Colin plays the piano at King Georges Hall and my dad is a massive Blackburn Rovers fan.

"I’m really excited about the changes in Blackburn and love going."

Blackburn BID said it hoped to change perceptions by marketing 'a vibrant town centre' and increasing footfall against a backdrop of internet shopping and the choice of neighbouring towns and cities.

Visitors are challenged to ‘be surprised’ at the investment already completed and the myriad of high quality smaller independent retailers, boutiques and cafes which are dotted around the town offering personal service and specialist knowledge.

In July, The Remedy, which is made up of teenagers Hannah and Elliott Dryden, performed a 45-minute set at the Hoghton Tower concert, warming up the crowd for global superstar James Blunt.