Shopper Julie Ann Birks is saving more money to spend in her hometown economy – thanks to Leek United…

Julie Ann was amongst the many customers to have signed up for one of the Society’s new ‘Totally Locally Leek’ Affinity Accounts.

And opening the account has already paid off for her; she won a luxury hamper filled with local goodies in a free prize draw for all new account holders.

“I do all my shopping locally at a lot of the independent stalls and shops, and it’s all good quality stuff,” said care worker Julie Ann, who lives in Leek.

“I’m planning to use my new account to save and shop for birthday and Christmas presents in the town, and to win the hamper on top was just brilliant!”

Leek United’s ‘Totally Locally Leek’ Affinity Account is part of an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of independent retailers in the Society’s Staffordshire Moorlands heartland.

Every pound that customers save in their accounts will help to support the ongoing Totally Locally Leek campaign, to ensure the town remains a vibrant place to live, work and shop.

Totally Locally Leek estimate that if every person living in the Leek area spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops, instead of online or at the big supermarkets, it would be worth an extra £4.1 million a year going into the local economy.

Leek United Chief Executive Kevin Wilson said: “Our new Affinity Account is designed to support the local economy in Leek directly, and our congratulations go to Mrs Birks.”