MORE than 50 businesses have already signed up to the Shop Penarth scheme which officially relaunched last weekend.

The scheme which offers a discount card for life aims to encourage people to use their local shops.

Organisers of the relaunch of the rewards scheme said they are “over the moon” about its reception at the Gwyrddio Penarth Greening Food Festival which took place at The Kymin on Sunday (September 17).

They say the new loyalty cards were being snapped up like “hot cakes” and there was real enthusiasm for the new, modern design and the accessibility of the offers online.

The original scheme was launched in 2009 but saw a drop in volunteer numbers..

Penarth’s assembly member Vaughan Gething, celebrated opera singer Rebecca Evans and fitness studio owner John Bruno have all given their backing to the scheme.

The scheme’s key statements are “loving my town, supporting my local economy and building a greener future”.

The new scheme has been planned by a group consisting of two retailers, Penarth Town Council, the Penarth Times and Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG).

Speaking after the event, Tricia Griffiths from GPG said: “We are thrilled to bits with the way the new Shop Penarth scheme has taken off.

“It is good for Penarth, good for shoppers and good for cutting carbon.”

The food festival, where it was held, was launched in 2011 aims to highlight the vast range of quality independent food producers and businesses in the area and provides a unique showcase for the very best of local produce.

Anthony Slaughter from GPG said: “The festival is a real celebration of community and local food.

“The crowds at this year’s event show a strong public appetite for the local and sustainable and we look forward to continuing with the event in future years.”

To join Shop Penarth, look out for the sign in shop windows, go in and buy the card which is £2 for life.

Information about offers and discounts are available online at shoppenarth.co.uk. Information can also be found by asking retailers.