‘TIS the season to be jolly - and that is certainly how members of Chard’s Loyalty Card scheme are feeling.

As the Yuletide festivities draw ever nearer, the scheme’s organisers are hosting a Christmas Fair to publicise independent businesses in the town, meaning shoppers can purchase authentic, locally-made products for their loved ones.

The Chard Loyalty Card was introduced earlier this year in a bid to encourage people to shop more regularly at small businesses, and then rewarding them with special offers.

When shoppers spend £5 or more, they receive a stamp and once they collect 10 stamps, they are entered into a monthly prize draw, with the chance to win up to £60.

Marie Mears, from Fotofinish, who spearheaded the loyalty card scheme, said: “We came up with the idea for holding a Christmas Fair to help publicise all local independent businesses in Chard.

“We are really pleased with the progress of the Loyalty Card, and this is an opportunity for shoppers to see all the businesses in one place – hopefully, it will encourage Christmas shopping in Chard. We’d also like to thank Chard Town Team for its recent support with funding and sponsorship”.

Cllr Amanda Broom, who will be representing Chard Bookshop at the event, said: “We hope that lots of people come to the fair to see what local independent traders have to offer for Christmas ideas.

“Shoppers will also be able to receive double stamps for this day only and may even be able to finish Christmas shopping without leaving Chard.”

Nat Thomson, from Eleos Cafe, said: “The Christmas fair will be a great opportunity for local people to see what they have right here on their doorstep. This loyalty card is quite special as it also allows people to go into a monthly draw.

“Why not pop along and say hi to your local, independent traders and perhaps grab a last minute Christmas gift or get some great birthday gift ideas.”

The Christmas Fair will be held at Chard Guildhall on Saturday, December 10, from 10am until 1pm. The December draw will take place on New Year’s Eve, and a special ‘thank you’ draw for people’s continued support will see a first prize of £100, with second and third prizes of £50.