THE Minehead Loyalty Card Scheme has launched with an overwhelming response from residents and shops all wanting to take part.

The scheme, which aims to boost trade in the area, works by encouraging residents to shop locally and receive rewards in return .

So far 90 shops, cafés and restaurants in Minehead have signed up with more expressing interest in joining the scheme.

Organisers have already had to reprint more cards for residents to take part.

West Somerset Council, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Minehead Tourism and Business Association, Revive Minehead and Minehead Town Council joined forces to come up with the idea earlier this year.

Graham Sizer, Chamber of Trade chairman said: “We’ve all been really encouraged by the support.

“Promotional balloons were carried through the town as a celebration of what is seen as a fun project to put pride into the high street.

“After a long day for organisers on Saturday, Alcombe Fish Bar said their customers gave a massive thumbs up to the scheme.”

Customers who spend more than £2.50 at one of the participating businesses will get a sticker to fill one of the ten spaces on a loyalty card.

When cards are completed, they can be posted at one of the outlets listed at the bottom of the card to be entered into a monthly prize draw.

Customers could win up to £25 and a special prize draw in November will see the winner receive a £45 meal voucher for Pip’s Fish restaurant.

Fay Dyke, founder of Revive Minehead added: “We’ve had such an overwhelming response it’s brilliant and completely caught us unawares.”

Boxes where customers can post their cards will eventually be placed around the town, for now there are boxes at Minehead Town Council, Minehead Information Centre and Minehead Sports.