A GIFT voucher is being launched to support Knutsford businesses.

The new venture aims to encourage residents to spend local and support the town's economy.

The Knutsford Voucher will be available from Knutsford Town Council’s website and, after lockdown, from the council offices in Toft Road.

Initially the vouchers will be in £5 and £10 dominations and can be redeemed in more than 50 local shops.

Sandra Curties, Knutsford Town Council town centre and marketing officer, said: “We have kept the initial launch simple - low denominations for spread of spend and we’ve had a great response from local shops.

"There are too many to mention here but the vouchers can be redeemed for everyday goods such as meat and vegetables to flowers, soft furnishings, bikes and gifts, there really is something for everyone.

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"Once the voucher is redeemed, we pay the shop back in full. It is a great way of ring fencing local spend.”

The vouchers will be available for one year from date of purchase, have been designed by local marketing agency 438 Marketing and have security features to disable fraud.

Full terms and conditions will be on Knutsford Town Council’s website along with a full list of participating retailers.

Chris Evershield, from Serenity Designs, said: "They make great gifts all year round and an excellent incentive for existing staff or a welcome to new starters."

Any Knutsford based business interested in the scheme can call Sandra Curties on 01565 653929.

Only Knutsford based shops, not surrounding villages, can take the vouchers.

If the scheme proves successful, higher denominations will be introduced and longer term a digital option may be developed. The new website is due to go live today, Thursday.