TEIGNMOUTH shoppers could save hundreds of pounds if they support local stores.

Traders have just launched a loyalty card to encourage more people to support local retailers and save money during the recession.

The card will offer discounts and special offers at more than 40 businesses, including shops, cafes, photographers, functions rooms and florists.

'If used properly, it could easily amass savings of hundreds of pounds,' said Paul Nicks, chairman of Teignmouth Traders' Association.

The card, which costs £2.50 and is available at various shops, was officially launched yesterday at The Triangle, and there were dozens of first day offers around the town, from free breakfasts to free gifts with some purchases. One store slashed prices by half to the first ten customers with the card, and another offered a free buggy to the first cardholder spending more than £5.

Details of businesses taking part in the scheme are contained in a new magazine, which comes with the card.

And as an added bonus, all profits from the sale of the card are earmarked for town enhancement projects.

The association's priority project is to help re-introduce Christmas lighting and street decorations across the town centre. 'We believe that pioneering schemes like this will attract more return business to Teignmouth,' Mr Nicks pointed out.

The magazine is also a useful brochure about Teignmouth and its history. It is produced by a team at Gallery X, and will be updated from time to time to keep card holders up to date with any changes in the scheme.

The editor of the magazine, and soon to be launched association website, Jacqui Orme, added: 'We are really excited by this project as Teignmouth will be the first town along this coastline to introduce a loyal scheme of this type.'