Town centre traders in Huddersfield and Holmfirth could star in a new campaign to encourage people back to the high street.

Kirklees Council wants to highlight all that is great in local town centres when non-essential shops open their doors again on April 12.

The campaign will cover the whole of Kirklees but will concentrate on the main town centres of Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Dewsbury, Batley, Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike.

Businesses in retail, hospitality, hairdressing and beauty, entertainment and leisure, banking, professional services and healthcare will be considered along with market traders.

The scheme is part of the Reopening The High Street Fund and is backed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Businesses will be invited to take part in a photoshoot and star in a promotional campaign to show town centres are ready to welcome people back. Successful applicants will be chosen based on: Covid compliance, location, availability and diversity.

If places are over-subscribed businesses will be selected at random. Those selected will take part in a Covid-safe photoshoot at their premises and the images will be used in the campaign.

Be a pin-up star like Felix and Bolt the station cats

Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are committed to making sure our town centres are safe and ready to welcome visitors back in line with the Government’s roadmap.

“We want this campaign to showcase what our towns have to offer and celebrate the great work that local businesses are doing to keep customers safe.

“The opportunity to be involved in this campaign is open to all businesses that meet the criteria, and whilst not all will inevitably feature, we do hope to be able to shout about all those that apply on our website to show that Kirklees is open.

“If you run a town centre business why not help us to support you by getting involved?”

To apply e-mail communications@kirklees.gov.uk with your business name, address, telephone number and details of which sector you represent. Also add website and social media details. The deadline is Thursday March 4.