A NORTH-EAST town has launched its own drive to encourage businesses to source goods and services from within the area.

The Hartlepool Buy Local campaign encourages firms to work together to stave off the effects of the recession.

The campaign has been established by Hartlepool Enterprise Centre and aims to recruit businesses across the town.

Andrea Miles, manager of the enterprise centre, said that residents and shoppers can also help the drive by spending their money with local businesses.

“Businesses in Hartlepool need to form strong allegiances, but we also need the public in the town to think about where they shop and how that impacts on the local community,” she said.

“If they can buy what they need in the town, then they are helping to keep businesses alive, keep local people in jobs, whilst ensuring our economy is buoyant.”

The campaign is using various tactics, including producing a brochure to promote the services on offer from businesses in the town, and enticing people to use the enterprise centre through discount vouchers and free offers.