The new note, which is printed on polymer plastic rather than the old paper versions, includes a number of new security features to make sure that shopkeepers don’t fall foul of counterfeit notes.

The new note is 15% smaller than the paper version and has been billed as much safer than the previous version.

As part of its new safety measures, there are a number of quick security checks that shopkeepers and checkout assistants can do to make sure a note is legitimate.

  1. A large see through window with a portrait of the queen appears on the note, with a border which changes from purple to green when the note is tilted. A ‘£’ symbol inside the border will also change from purple to green.
  2. A metallic image of the Elizabeth Tower on the note will also appear gold on the front of the note and silver on the back.
  3. Underneath the image of the tower, a hologram will display the words ‘five’ and ‘pounds’ separately when the note is moved.
  4. A 3D looking crown at the top of the note will display a rainbow effect when the note is moved, while the back of the crown will show a green foil patch which says the word ‘Blenheim’.
  5. If the note is held under ultra-violet light, a purple and green chequered number ‘5’ will appear.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Development, said: “The new fiver has been billed as being cleaner, safer and stronger than the paper copy.

“Ultimately, while the currency is still worth the same value, it will hopefully help local businesses by reducing the amount of counterfeit money in circulation.

“The security checks that people need to take out to ensure that the note is legitimate are thorough and I’d encourage businesses to carry out more than one of the different checks to make sure that they are happy the look and feel of the note to start with.”

Any businesses who suspects receiving a counterfeit note should keep hold of the suspect note and contact the police on 101.

Leaflets detailing the security features of the new five pound notes and what businesses should look out for are available from Blackpool Council. To obtain a copy, visit the Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road.