PENDLE Council is urging residents to pay their council tax by direct debit.

Around 60 per cent of residentuse this method, but to encourage more users the council will launch a prize draw in September.

Any household which makes the switch will be entered into the draw.

Two households will randomly be selected in the draw and each will win £50 of vouchers to spend at participating shops across Pendle.

Councillor Tommy Cooney, who oversees the council’s finances, said: “Even if you already pay your council tax by direct debit don’t worry, you’ll still be in with a chance of winning.

“Anyone who pays their council tax by direct debit will automatically be entered!.

“The campaign is all about supporting our local economies too - we’re inviting Pendle’s independent shops to get involved and we’ll publish a list of where the vouchers can be spent on our website.”