BUSINESSES in Great Harwood are being encouraged to get in the festive spirit with the promise of a reward for the best dressed Christmas window.

Graham Wolstenholme, managing director of Danley Engineering Services, has set aside £500 for the next five years so that each year's winner will get £100 prize money.

Judging is set to take place on Wednesday with a cheque presentation on Friday in time for last minute shopping trips.

Graham said: "At the last area council meeting it was suggested that last year's Christmas decorations were the worst there have ever been and that we should try and brighten up the town this year.

"I thought that local businesses could help by brightening up their own shop fronts so decided to offer the prize money.

"You can already see from the town that it is much better than last year.

"But there is still time for people to enter into the spirit and help to brighten things by putting their trimmings up."