A CAMPAIGN to promote community businesses and encourage people to visit a former mining town has been launched.

The ‘Love Beamish and Stanley’ group has said its vision is to grow local firms and get more trade from local tourism, as well as increasing the number of customers living within the area.

Stanley has suffered major setbacks in recent years, with three large fires leaving gaping holes on Front Street in the town centre.

But a major regeneration programme is underway with a new Home Bargains store already open and work progressing on a new Aldi supermarket and McDonald’s drive through restaurant.

The group is building on world famous visitor draws such as Beamish Open Air Museum and Tanfield Steam Railway, which leads to the oldest single span railway bridge in the world, to showcase the work of the people from the area.

Group chairwoman Karen Brown said: “Our marketing campaign promotes businesses and services to local people and those visiting the region for business or leisure.

“We have done a great deal in a short amount of time and feel we are building a head of steam to drive our town and businesses forward.

“We have been astounded by this success and have had fabulous feedback from far and wide from people who will now be visiting and using services in our area.”

The first five videos of the marketing campaign have been hailed a success with over 190,000 views on social media, with the businesses featured stating an increase in footfall and turnover as a result.

The videos have captured each businesses unique selling points, asked customers about their experiences and highlighted local employment successes.

The group’s vice-chairman, Adam Chetter, said: “We are passionate about making people proud of the town they live in.”

The initiative got officially underway at Beamish Hall Hotel and was attended by local businessmen and women as well as dignitaries and community leaders.

Councillor David Marshall, leader of Stanley Town Council, said: “It’s important that all parts of our community have a voice in future regeneration and growth.

“The project has brought together businesses that play a key role in our community and it is great to see the network bringing forward ideas for future improvements.

“The short videos and marketing campaign have made a great impact on raising the profile of our town and the excellent local businesses that will help take the area forward.”