A BUSINESSMAN known for standing up for the underdog is backing a campaign to save a Lancastrian institution.

Blackpool’s famous rock is said to be under threat by cheap imports.

Burnley business guru Dave Fishwick, who is famous for taking on greedy banks and pay-day loan rip-off companies, spoke to David Thorp, director of rock makers Stanton & Novelty, on This Morning.

The letter said: “In recent months, inferior products have flooded our market, undercutting domestic producers and eroding consumer confidence in locally-made goods while giving the impression to consumers they are buying British products.”

The letter called for Blackpool rock to be given protected status warning, making it clear that it has been made in the UK.

David said: “There are only 10 [rock-making factories] left in Blackpool. It is a dying art and we are under threat from Chinese imports which call themselves sticks of rock.

“We want to be able to protect that name to make sure people know, if they are buying a stick of rock, that it was made in the UK.”

“The biggest thing we can do is protect the name. We want people to know if they are buying a stick of rock that it was made in the UK.”

 

 

 

(Twitter/@thismorning)

On the show, Dave rallied for Hollywood actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to back the campaign.

Dave, whose real-life fight to set up a community bank inspired the Netflix film Bank of Dave, said: “We need everybody to have a word with Dwayne Johnson to see if he will support our campaign. ‘The Rock’ supporting [Blackpool] rock!”

David has applied to the IK geographical indication protected food names scheme.

If approved, only rock produced in or around Blackpool would be able to use the town's name on the label. Protection already exists for other food products, including Cornish pasties and Cumberland Sausages.

You can catch up on This Morning on ITVX.