ASSEMBLY member Vaughan Gething has given his backing to the Shop in Penarth scheme which is set to be relaunched this weekend.

The scheme which was originally launched in 2009, will be relaunched at the Gwyrddio Penarth Greening Food Festival which takes place this Sunday (September 17) at the Kymin

The scheme has three main aims including promoting local shopping, supporting the area’s economy and encouraging a greener way of living.

The original version saw a drop in volunteers but a group of local traders, Penarth Town Council and members of Gwyrddio Penarth Greening have teamed up to launch a much improved scheme.

The scheme offers a loyalty card through which shoppers can get special offers and discounts at participating stores.

And SiP's new website will also go live on the day of the food festival, offering details of businesses, contact details, offers and a link to participating businesses' websites.

The SiP website outlines the benefits of the scheme to the town, the local economy, to independent businesses in the town and to the environment

The new cards will cost £2 which are for life and can be purchased from Foxy's Deli on Victoria Road or Hampton's in Ludlow Lane.

Speaking on a recent visit to Hamptons to show his support for the scheme, Mr Gething said he is "delighted" to support the improved scheme.

"The shops in Penarth are part of what makes the town such a good place to live," he said.

"If we want our high street to survive and thrive then we need to support local shops.

"It is great to see such a wide variety of businesses who have got involved with the new scheme.

"I will definitely sign up to get a card and support our local high street."

Tricia Griffiths who helped set up the scheme said: "Nearly 40 businesses are on board and there is a lot of enthusiasm around generally regarding the scheme."

Karen Dunlop who runs the Umpa Lumpa sweet shop in Windsor Road said: "I live and work in Penarth.

"It's a privilege to be able to shop for such a wide range of goods locally.

"From a business perspective it's great to be involved in a community scheme which celebrates independent businesses and promotes sustainable shopping practices.

"I am looking forward to offering great deals to my loyal customers and attracting new customers."

At the food festival, Cheese, bread, preserves, locally brewed beer and cider will all be provided by local businesses including Windsor Fruit Stores and Fauvette, hot food from the likes of Old Cogan Hall Farm, The Fig Tree and Restaurant James Sommerin and a vegetarian and vegan option from The Parsnipship and the Vegetarian Food Studio.

The festival will be open from 11am to 4pm and entry is free.

For more information about the scheme and the food festival, email gwyrddio.penarth.greening@gmail.com.