A CAMPAIGN to encourage people to shop in Nelson is to be expanded -- just two weeks after its launch.

Following a meeting with tenants, Pendle Council launched 'Keep It Local' to promote the facilities at The Admiral's Market Place.

Now the council is to double the scheme to over 70 more businesses in the town centre.

The aim of the campaign is to promote and highlight the amenities Nelson has to get residents to spend their money in the town.

The extended scheme is still in the planning stages but will be launched in November in time for the run-up to Christmas.

Ian Stackhouse, town centres officer for Pendle Council said the scheme would offer support to businesses in the town in a variety of ways. One proposal is to give traders carrier bags promoting Nelson as a shopping destination.

He said: "The markets have launched the keep it local campaign and we are looking to extend it to the rest of the town centre.

"One of the main things we will be doing is looking at how we can support the local independent businesses.

"We want to provide them with something to promote the message of shopping local and that there is a lot of things in Nelson."

The initiative promoting the indoor market was launched on September 4. All 65 stalls are displaying posters with the words: "Serving Nelson - Keep It Local".

Ian Wharton, manager of the market said customers could find everything under one roof.

He added: "We want to remind people the market hall has been serving the community for many years and offers warm and personal service."