A LOYALTY card scheme for shoppers in Redcar has been launched.

The RedcarD scheme offers discounts in an attempt to increase trade in Redcar High Street. It includes special offers and deals available to residents and visitors - encouraging them to support local independent retailers.

Cardholders can receive discounts from about 50 businesses after the project was launched by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and the TownTalk organisation, which aims to promote the town.

Councillor George Dunning, leader of the council, said: "The RedcarD scheme is a fantastic initiative and I hope as many local people as possible take the chance to sign up."

Phil Davies, of TownTalk, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the support the local businesses have given to this initiative. While the council has been visionary in backing the concept, it's nothing without the retailers themselves, and judging by the response so far, they are certainly playing their part."

For further information about RedcarD, go to redcar.towntalk.co.uk/redcard