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

The Shop Local North Yorkshire project, launched last month in Bedale, had a stall at the recent Dales Festival of Food and Drink, in Leyburn.

Organiser Cath Grimsey said the scheme drew a great deal of interest from visitors to the festival, held over the recent bank holiday weekend.

Mrs Grimsey said: "The food festival was very successful for Shop Local.

"We managed to sell nearly 200 loyalty cards to new members to members of the public, who were very enthusiastic.

"There was also several inquiries from businesses interested in signing up to Shop Local."

The scheme is being backed by The Northern Echo's sister paper, the D&S Times.

New business cards and re-usable cotton shopping bags bearing the newspaper’s branding have been produced and are now being distributed to customers.

Shop Local sees shoppers sign up for a loyalty card, for a one-off £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.

Shop Local customers are being offered a ten per cent discount on Toggi branded clothing.

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