TRADERS are teaming up to offer a series of special offers to attract more people to their town centre.

Shoppers visiting Bishop Auckland will be able to take advantage of a series of discounts and promotional offers in more than a dozen outlets.

The move comes following the launch of The Northern Echo and Advertiser Series' Shopping for a Future campaign, which aims to promote what small towns have to offer. As part of the drive, independent traders have vowed to take some positive action to safeguard their own futures such as the launch of these special offer days.

And the scheme already has the support of at least one national store, Marks & Spencer, who will hold taste sessions each Thursday.

Margaret Ellis, who runs a Euronics electrical shop in Newgate Street, said: "I'm sure shoppers who hunt out the offers will find there is a lot more in the town than they realised."

Participating stores this week are: Bondgate: Reflections school wear and clothing, Belton Tyres, Needful Things, Flower World, Taybeck Bridal wear. Newgate Centre: Bo Beep gifts. Newgate Street: Fashion4Less, JC Ellis Euronics centre, Hinge & Bracket, Trimmers hairdressers, Marine Caf, Aphrodite, MM Chemists, Top Sounds.