A DISCOUNT card scheme, set up to reward hard-working pupils at a Darlington school, has been given the cold shoulder by shops in the town.

Pupils from Longfield School, in Harrowgate Hill, asked 100 businesses in the town centre to take part in the initiative but only eight agreed.

"We are really disappointed," said deputy head boy Lewis Moses, 16.

"We got some good feedback but most shops just didn't want to get involved.

"Quite a lot said they would get back to us with a decision, but very few have."

The scheme was first introduced at the school four years ago as a way of rewarding upper school pupils who worked hard and had a positive attitude.

Lots of shops signed up and offered children who were awarded a card discounts ranging from five per cent to 25 per cent.

This year, when youngsters decided to update the card, the response was very different.

"Quite a few of the businesses who agreed last time didn't want to know this time," said teacher Gail Smith.

"And lots of the big stores just said an outright no."

Paul Armstrong, manager of Asquiths Jewellers, which did sign up for the scheme, said he could not understand why more businesses had not got involved.

"Anything that motivates schoolchildren is a good thing. I'm surprised at the lack of interest.

"Perhaps shops are not interested because they may not get much out of it."