A SUCCESSFUL businessman has issued a rallying call to his fellow Boltonians: Back the town, it is your duty.

Richard Cort, who owns Zest Fine Foods, on the Doffcocker roundabout in Moss Bank Way, says he wants every person in the town to get behind our We’re Backing Bolton campaign.

He said: “I am old enough to remember when there was a campaign called I’m Backing Britain and I thought why not do a campaign to back Bolton.

“I spoke to Keith Davies, Bolton Council’s director of regeneration, and he said The Bolton News was starting a campaign so I am happy to say that I am backing Bolton.

“I think it is everyone’s responsibility to back the town and I would urge businesses to buy from other businesses and keep the money in the area.”

Last month Mr Cort, revealed the popular deli and brasserie was spearheading a Bolton Local 50 pledge, with the aim of getting all businesses to buy a minimum of 15 per cent of its ingredients from farmers and suppliers within a 50-mile radius of Bolton town centre.

He said: “We’re Backing Bolton is common sense because we should all be backing Bolton.

“Individuals should make it more personal and say ‘I’m Backing Bolton’. People used to drive around with stickers in their car saying I’m Backing Britain and there is no reason why we can’t do something similar in Bolton.”

The Bolton News has teamed up with Bolton Council to launch the We’re Backing Bolton campaign.

The aim of the campaign — which has already been backed by a host of local businesses — is to get Boltonians to take a fresh look at what the borough has to offer and to “think local” this Christmas.

Tell us what makes you proud to be from Bolton, or any positive stories about the town, by calling our newsdesk on 01204 537270.