Great Harwood competition generates more than 1,000 individual shop visits over half-term

A brand-new competition created to promote the Great Harwood high street generated 1,100 individual shop visits throughout the February half-term.

The ‘Half Term in Harwood’ shop trail, organised by Hyndburn Borough Council and the Great Harwood Events Team, saw children challenged to collect stamps from six different shops.

Participating outlets included Holy Cannoli, Flow Wellbeing Network, Gareth’s Florists, Brie Mine, My Happy Place and Finch Bakery.

Over 9,000 school children across 36 Hyndburn primary schools were invited to take part, with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

First place went to Sarah Mackie, winning a meal for four at Mellows Lounge Bar & Eatery; second went to Seth Naylor, who will be enjoying a meal for four at Holy Cannoli; third went to Ted and a meal for four at Akela Street Food; Imogen Jones took fourth prize and a £25 voucher for Finch Bakery; while fifth prize was won by Archie Driver, who took home a family hamper for Brie Mine.

There were also 20 joint winners for sixth place, all taking home two tickets to Vue Cinema. The winners were: Owain Briggs, Ivy Birtwell, Lyla Bowness, Mabel Tootell, Maisie, Carter Martin, Jessie Mullin, Ralphie Moorcroft, Scarlett, Theo Lavelle, Daisy Jones, Rudy Betty, Harris Patel, Timo Ruiz, Altair Pescador, Charlie Semple, Evelyn Longbottom, Blousey Tomlinson, Elise Burton and Emily Calcutt.

Alongside the footfall generated in the high street shops, the competition also attracted children and families from visiting towns into Great Harwood, with entries from Accrington, Blackburn, Read, Rishton and many more.

The first 200 entrants also received a FREE tub of popcorn, which was handed out to participants when they submitted their entries in the library.

Councillor Noordad Aziz, deputy leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “It has been incredible to see so many children and families taking part in the shop trail.

“The high street has been bustling, and we would love to welcome those who took part back in Great Harwood in the future.”

Lauren Maguire, owner of Brie Mine, said: “The response to the competition has been fantastic and it has been wonderful to see so many new faces coming through the door. Well done to everyone involved.”

These events are part of an exciting events programme delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by UK Government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme.