A LOYALTY card scheme designed to encourage shoppers to support local businesses has signed up almost 2,500 members.

The Shop Local North Yorkshire project, launched in Bedale last month, now has more than 80 businesses on its books.

Although originally launched in Bedale, the scheme has extended across North Yorkshire.

It quickly gained partners in Masham, Northallerton and Leyburn.

Project organiser Cath Grimsey says the scheme is now expanding into Thirsk, with Richmond expected to follow suit soon.

Thirsk town councillor Janet Watson, the town’s mayor until she was replaced by Derek Adamson at the recent annual meeting of electors, purchased the town’s first Shop Local card last week.

Mrs Grimsey said: "The scheme is now spreading to Thirsk and Richmond, and I have over 80 business members and nearly 2,500 cardholders.

"Richmond will be coming online next week.

"Coun Watson has leant her support to the scheme and purchased the first Thirsk card from Spectrum Gallery and Framing Services last week."

Shop Local is being supported by the Darlington and Stockton Times, sister newspaper of The Northern Echo.

Among the latest businesses to sign up to the scheme are:

Bedale:

* High Grange Holiday Cottages, Exelby, Bedale, DL8 2HQ. It is offering locally-produced wine and Wensleydale cheeses in rooms upon arrival for bookings made by cardholders. Call 01677-422740 or visit high-grange.co.uk

* The Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass, Bedale, HG4 4AH. Offer to be confirmed. Call 01677-422461 or visit buckwatlass.co.uk

* The Lodge at Leeming Bar, Bedale, DL8 1DT. Offering ten per cent off all food in the cafe, bars and restaurants, ten per cent off all items in the shop (exclusions apply). Plus, a two for one offer is available in the restaurant until the end of next month. Call 01677-422122.

* Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale, DL8 2PR. A free pot of tea or two cups of coffee per paying couple or family entering the arboretum is offered to card-holders. Call 01677-425323 or visit thorpperrow.com

Leyburn:

* Critchley Hall Solicitors, Golden Lion Yard, Leyburn. The firm is offering ten per cent will making and other reductions on legal services for cardholders by negotiation. Call 01969-625526 or visit chsolicitors.co.uk

* Victoria’s Lingerie, 11 High Street, Leyburn. Call 01969-622102 or visit victoriaslingerie.co.uk

Northallerton:

* Tutor.Me, East Cowton, Northallerton. Ten per cent off all private tuition, to A-Level standard in Maths, English and languages. Call 01325-378892.

Thirsk:

* Attire Menswear, 35 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1HA. Two items of Italian knitwear for £79.00. Call 01845-527120.

* Chambers of Thirsk, 2 Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PQ. Offer to be confirmed. Call 01845-522079.

* Charles Bistro, Bakers Alley, off Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1HD. Two courses for £9.99 to include a free glass of house wine for ShopLocal cardholders. Call 01845-527444.

* Crafts of Thirsk, 31 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1HD. A free pattern or ball of wool for each packet (ten balls) of wool purchased. Call 01845 523625 or visit craftsofthirsk.co.uk

* Elise Flowers, Thirsk. Discounts of five to seven per cent available by negotiation of beautiful flowers for special events. Call 01845-537877.

* Spectrum Gallery and Framing Services, 5 Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PQ. Five per cent off all framing. Call 01845-527773 or visit spectrumframing.co.uk

* The Black Lion, 8 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1LB. Five per cent off all lunch time and evening meals in this stylish bistro. Call 01845-574302.

* Thirsk Art Store, 1 Millgate, Thirsk, YO7 1AA. A free A4 portfolio for every spend over £25. Call 01845-574457 or visit thirskartstore.co.uk

* Toadally Equine, Carlton Miniott, Thirsk. Offer to be confirmed. Call 07813-645983 or visit toadallyequine.co.uk

* White Rose Books, 79-81 Market Place, Thirsk, YO7 1ET. A free cup of tea or coffee in the cafe for every spend of £10 or more in the store. Call 01845-524353 or visit whiterosebooks.com