AN 18-year-old filmmaker has created a short film to help shine a spotlight on businesses in the town. 

The film, created by Sam Teale, hopes to reignite the spirit of Cleckheaton ahead of April 12, when major parts of the town's high street will be permitted to re-open in line with the Government's planned easing of lockdown restrictions.

Despite the challenges of not being able to open as usual, many local businesses in Cleckheaton have worked hard through lockdown, preparing to re-open. Many have diversified their offer, with the introduction of click and collect as well as online and delivery services.

Stephanie Norris of Joshua Adams menswear, who spearheaded Project Ignite, which involves 12 businesses, said: “Many of our town’s shops, bars and businesses have some exciting plans to bring to the community, the support of local people is vital to our recovery and I think every single one of us cannot wait to be out and about and see the town bustling once again”. 

"Working with Sam has been great, his energy is inspirational, he’s captured perfectly the diversity of the businesses in a light and lifting way – it’s very emotional and I cannot believe we managed this whole project in less than two weeks”.

Sam added: “I was so excited when I received the call from Stephanie, small businesses have had to work with real agility and imagination to remain viable.

"Our video helps to visualise life in the town once the restrictions are lifted, Cleckheaton is ready to open, and we are all so excited for this return to normality.

"It has been a testing time for businesses, but we are nearly there, the town will soon be hustling and bustling with life."

The video cann be viewed on social media.