Bentham is bidding to become a “Portas pilot” - and receive help to restyle its high street and create a place where people want to spend time.

The Government is trying to find 12 pilots, with the best blueprints to breathe life back into unloved and unused high streets.

The initiative follows the publication of a review into the future of the high street by retail expert Mary Portas.

The winning pilots will benefit from a share of £1 million.

A video showing why Bentham should be chosen has been posted on YouTube and highlights the town’s strengths and its proposals to deal with the effects of increased commuting and a reduction in the number of people being drawn to its high street.

The bid is being led by Team Bentham, which is made up of traders and businesses, Pioneer Projects, Youth Café, Bentham Town Council and Craven District Council.

Jon Brook, team chairman said: “We are very excited at the prospect of being chosen as a pilot. This is such a fantastic opportunity that we did not want to see Bentham miss out.

“With its range of shops and strong community spirit, Bentham has all the ingredients to enable it to thrive as a vibrant service centre we just need help with the recipe, which this initiative will provide. It will be great to be able to welcome Mary Portas to our town.”

If successful, the team is proposing to use its funding to create a brand for the town and enliven the high street with banners and signs to advertise its commercial activities and make it distinctive from other market towns.

It also wants to create an art trail, linking in with local heritage sites and landmarks, which will be designed to keep bringing people back to the high street and provide an experience for local people as well as those from further afield.

Thomas Marshall, Mayor of Bentham Town Council, said: “There is no doubt that the will exists to improve Bentham and the team is a brilliant vehicle to harness this. Revitalising the town will undoubtedly benefit the community, not just Bentham but also the wider area supported by the town, and the council will do everything within its power to assist in this initiative.”

Paul Shevlin, chief executive of Craven District Council, said: “The council is pleased to be part of Team Bentham and has been impressed by the high level of enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone in the town. We are looking forward to working with partners to help achieve their plans.”

Bentham will learn next month whether it has been selected. Meanwhile its bid can be seen at youtube.com/ user/ChooseBentham