A LOYALTY card scheme to encourage shoppers to get behind local independent retailers has now signed up more than 80 businesses.

The ShopLocal North Yorkshire project, launched in March in Bedale, had a stall at the weekend’s Dales Festival of Food and Drink in Leyburn.

ShopLocal organiser Cath Grimsey said the scheme drew a great deal of interest from visitors to the festival.

Mrs Grimsey said: “The food festival was very successful for ShopLocal. We managed to sell nearly 200 loyalty cards to new members of the public, who were very enthusiastic.

“There was also several inquiries from businesses interested in signing up to ShopLocal.”

The scheme is supported by the Darlington & Stockton Times. New business cards and reusable cotton shopping bags bearing the logo and newspaper’s titlepiece have been produced and are now being distributed to customers.

ShopLocal sees shoppers sign up for a loyalty card for a oneoff £2.50 payment. In return, they are offered special offers and discounts at participating shops and business.

One business taking part is Fieldhouse Equestrian, at Scruton, near Bedale. ShopLocal customers are being offered a ten per cent discount on Toggibranded clothing.

For more information about the project, call Mrs Grimsey on 08443-573980 or email cath@shoplocalny.co.uk.