Last updated at 12:16, Friday, 14 December 2012

A record number of shoppers have entered a competition to boost trade in the wake of devastating floods.

Catherine Hetherington outside her refurbished shop

Cockermouth’s Shop 10 scheme was launched after the town was swamped with water three years ago, in a bid to get more people to shop locally.

The scheme, which is the idea of Catherine Hetherington of The New Bookshop, sees shoppers collect 10 stamps on a loyalty card from 10 independent retailers or businesses and enter it into a prize draw every month.

In December, there was a double-stamp offer, which has proved immensely successful as a staggering 273 shoppers have entered into the draw.

The scheme is organised by Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade. Publicity officer Suzanne Elsworth said: “We’ve been offering shoppers double stamps on their Shop 10 cards in the run up to Christmas and that is undoubtedly increasing the scheme’s popularity as it becomes so much easier to complete your card.

“As an additional Christmas gift, participating businesses are also giving out three stamps on new cards so that’s an added bonus for shoppers using the independent shops and restaurants. The next draw takes place on January 10 so get your cards in as soon as possible for your chance to win.”

The scheme focuses around the number 10.

Shoppers collect 10 stamps from 10 retailers and leave their completed cards at Meglan’s, at 10 Station Street, and – on the 10th of the month – all cards will be entered into a prize draw. Ten winners will be chosen and will each receive a £10 voucher.

In addition, one participating business wins a £10 voucher each month, to be given to the employee of their choice. A quiet month still sees around 90 entries.

At the moment 67 shops in Cockermouth are taking part in the scheme. A full list of their names can be found at www.cockermouthbusiness.org

First published at 12:09, Friday, 14 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk