AN OPERA star and business owner have given their support to the revamped Shop in Penarth scheme.

The new scheme, originally launched in 2010, is set to be unveiled by community group Gwyrddio Penarth Greening at the food festival on September 17.

The schemes three main aims are to encourage local shopping, support for the local economy and a greener community.

The scheme will offer a loyalty card through which shoppers can get special offers and discounts from local traders who sign up to the scheme.

It will also soon have a web page providing more information about how it works.

Now opera singer Rebecca Evans and John Bruno of John Bruno Total Training Fitness and Health Studio have given their backing to the scheme.

Ms Evans, who has lived in Penarth for 20 years, said the idea to relaunch the scheme is "fantastic."

She said: "I was brought up in a small village in and around my mother and father's shop which was in the family for 50 years.

"I saw the importance of local shopping from a personal view but particularly for the elderly and young mothers who may find travelling more difficult.

"Local shops are the heart of the community and where people meet and socialise.

"I love walking in the streets of Penarth.

"People used to congregate in my mother's shop and I feel the same about Penarth.

"Even though it is a town it is like a village community with an intimate feel.

"The scheme will encourage people to shop locally.

John Bruno who runs a fitness studio in Glebe Street said the business does as much as it can locally and supports the relaunch of the Shop in Penarth scheme.

He said he often recommends local businesses to clients such as The Bike Shop Wales next door.

"Most of our clients are in Penarth and we quite like to network."

"We have been here for 17 years and have know most of the local traders.

"We support local business and local tradesmen and it is nice to put money back into the local economy.

"It has a circular effect and is important for us."