CH1ChesterBID has announced its ‘Love Local’ loyalty scheme will continue for the next 12 months, after more than 1,500 shoppers and 70 businesses got involved in the initiative.

Many of the city centre’s small and independent shops, bars and restaurants have been promoting Love Local to customers over the summer, with shoppers offered the chance to enter each time they make a purchase from a participating store.

Judy Tagell, marketing manager at CH1ChesterBID - Chester’s Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Love Local is all about encouraging Cestrians to support their local businesses, try new retailers and ultimately, help provide a boost to the local economy and community.

“Originally we intended to run this for a few weeks in conjunction with the national programme of events for Independent Retailer Month in July.

“However, we’ve received such a great response from the public and independent stores, restaurants and bars, that we’ve extended the scheme for the upcoming year, so more people and businesses can get involved.”

Emma Melling, from Lancashire, was announced as the city’s first Love Local winner in July, and was been gifted with a bonus introductory prize of £250 in vouchers to use in independent retailers across the city centre.

Emma said: “It was wonderful to be the first winner of the Love Local campaign in Chester.

“It’s such a beautiful destination, full of hidden gems - both for shopping and eating out.

“The independent scene seems to be really thriving at the moment, with new stores opening almost every time we visit.

“It’s great to be able to support local stores and give back to the local town and working community.

“A lot of the time, my family and I prefer to shop with independents, as we think the quality can be better and the items are often more unique.

“The personal service you receive is also second to none, so now I have a voucher to spend, I’m sure we’ll be spending many more hours exploring the city’s streets.”

For more information about Love Local and a list of all the businesses involved in the campaign, visit www.experiencechester.co.uk/love-local/