A new social networking initiative has been launched by an Ilkley PR firm to help businesses to promote their services and generate visitors to the town.

Approach PR is asking the people of Ilkley to get behind and support the launch of the #Ilkleyhour hashtag on Twitter spark chatter about Ilkley and enable firms to engage and connect with their customers The first #Ilkleyhour takes place tonight between 7pm and 8pm and will happen every Monday. To take part people should log onto Twitter, post a Tweet about their business or interests, add the hashtag #Ilkleyhour and follow the conversation by clicking on the #Ilkleyhour link.

Verity Hudson, of Approach PR, said: “Using #Ilkleyhour will bring new followers, contacts and above all is a highly addictive and fun way to network from the comfort of your own home. But we also think it can provide real results for businesses taking part and introduce them and their offerings to a whole new audience.”

Rachel Spencer-Robb, of Last Cawthra Feather solicitors and vice-chairman of the Ilkley Business Forum, said: “Anything to get people talking positively about Ilkley and its businesses can only be a good thing.”