Social media is being harnessed to give shops in Peterhead a welcome increase in visitors.
The new Facebook group Peterhead for Change has had more than 1,000 likes in its first two weeks.
And it is being credited with helping to boost footfall at local businesses by a whopping 17.8%.
The scheme even has celebrity backing, with television presenter Nick Knowles filming a video of support.
Local businessman Adrian Whalley joined with pal Sharon Bradford to start the page in the knowledge people often speak about the need for change but take little action.
There have long been concerns about the health of the retails sector and its offering in the town.
Through Peterhead for Change, they are encouraging people to shop local and hosting events, such as BlueToon Twosday, to boost trade.
The initial results have been encouraging.
Mr Whalley said: “Peterhead For Change started about two weeks ago and it has exploded since then.
“I’m Peterhead born and bred and came up with the idea on the way home from town.
“I called my good friend Sharon and she immediately got involved. After chatting a few times we knew what we wanted to achieve.
“We’ve seen people try to bring change but it takes more than talking in meetings to get results. So we arranged BlueToon Twosday.”
The event set a challenge, inviting people to visit high street stores and purchase just two things.
Aberdeenshire Council confirmed the initiative on November 9 saw a 17.8% rise in footfall, compared to the previous Saturday.
Mr Whalley said: “With a population of more than 20,000, if even 5% of people always shopped local in Peterhead then think of the boost for businesses.
“Twosday was a massive success, with people making purchases big and small and showing support for the shops.
“There may be a few things in the town that need development but we have to work with what we’ve got or we will lose it.
“The magic wand is using what we have and helping make them successful – and then more will appear.
“If we all shop local we will benefit, our children will benefit, there will be jobs and it will bring back the old town centre buzz.”
Peterhead For Change’s second initiative asked locals to visit somewhere in the town they had never or rarely been before.
During each challenge, participants were encouraged to take selfies and post them to the page.
Further events are already being planned.
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “We welcome any initiative that encourages residents and visitors to shop in Peterhead, as well as other towns in Aberdeenshire.”
