CONSUMERS are being urged to buy British to help out hard-hit local companies.

The North-west’s high streets and businesses desperately need the support of consumers and local authorities this Christmas, according to a leading regional business group.

Private Sector Partners (PSP), which represents more than 100,000 firms in the region, issued a plea to Christmas shoppers.

Len Collinson, PSP leader and veteran businessman, said: “The credit crunch will be hitting business hard this Christmas. I therefore passionately urge consumers to buy British and buy local wherever they can.

“Food produced by British farmers, for example, can be bought in high street shops and supermarkets alike.

“Equally clothes, furniture, electrical goods and the hospitality industry are all sectors that would benefit from greater support.

“Moreover with an estimated £13bn being spent online this Christmas, I urge these shoppers to pump their cash into British firms.”

Mr Collinson also belives local authorities could do their bit.

He said: “Councils can make a huge difference by suspending car parking charges to attract shoppers into town centres.”

According to uSwitch.com, car parking charges in the UK could set consumers back £85 million this Christmas.