A new drive has been launched to encourage people to shop local and boost business.

The Lanes Shopping Centre in Carlisle has unveiled a new loyalty scheme – Lanes Xtra – through which people can use a card to get exclusive discounts at any participating stores in The Lanes.

More than 40 shops have signed up to the scheme including Monsoon, Toys R Us and Clarins at Debenhams.

Marketing manager Holly Woodhead said: “We are already in talks with other local food and drink providers outside of The Lanes to expand the scheme to key areas in the city and provide even more incentive for our customers.

“Our customers are so important to us and there has so far been nothing like this in place for our shoppers and we can’t wait to reward them for what they do best – shopping.”

The loyalty scheme was launched yesterday and the more people who scan their cards, the better their reward will be.

When people first start using the card they will get entry level rewards such as 10 per cent off at Monsoon or Accessorize, 20 per cent off LEGO at Toys R Us and 20 per cent off at Millie’s Cookies.

After 10 shops, the rewards increase to include, among others: a special exchange rate at Euro change, 50 per cent off passport photos at Wilkinsons Cameras and a free skincare lesson and samples with Clarins at Debenhams.

Then after 20 shops, people have access to 15 per cent off any purchase at Peter Jackson, 20 per cent off at Slaters and a free hot drink every day at Debenhams and other rewards.

For those who reach 30 shops there’s 20 per cent off at Blue Inc and Jack & Jones, you save £10 when you spend £50 at Ryman and there’s a special exchange rate & buyback deal at Eurochange.

David Jackson, commercial director of The Lanes, said: “Marketing today means using all forms of media to reach out to new customers and also to keep in touch with your existing loyal customers and rewarding.

“Lane Xtra will enable us to achieve both of these objectives.”

The Lane Xtra scheme is being managed by Coniq, which runs similar schemes in shopping centres across the UK including St Enoch in Glasgow and Broadway in Bradford.

“It’s a great scheme for The Lanes and our customers now and in the future,” said Mr Jackson.

Shoppers can collect the free card from any participating shops which will have an ‘X’ in the window.