FROM Monday, residents across the county have been supporting local businesses through the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme, supporting the hospitality sector whilst bagging a bargain.

Numerous local restaurants and cafes across the conurbation are taking part in this scheme, which has so far been hailed as a success.

Truly's restaurant in Westbourne is implementing this scheme on Wednesday, August 5 and have extended their opening hours to cater for more people in the duration of the scheme.

Owner Lauren Reading said: "We're only a small business so we can't open on Mondays and Tuesdays but we will be open all day on Wednesdays from 12pm. We were kept really busy in lockdown which has meant we have come out of the closed period in less of a state of panic."

The restaurant will be open from from 10am for teas, coffees and cake and then from 12pm with their new August menu.

Booking is essential and can be done by calling 01202 757479 or visiting: https://www.simpleerb.com/16493/trulys/

The Eat Out to Help Out scheme has been beneficial for Kayla Brasserie on Holdenhurst Road, who offered the scheme from Monday, August 3.

Owner Tracy Sefat said: "It's working well and we think it is a good idea as people will now eat out during the week, which is usually a quieter time. The scheme will bring people to eat at places they don't normally."

Kayla Brasserie is offering the scheme for lunch and dinner, Monday to Wednesday and walk-ins are available, as well as bookings.

Staff from the Broadstone cafe Healthy Habits didn't know what to expect from customers during their first day in the scheme, but have been pleasantly surprised with the result.

The cafe opened in mid-July and found that, throughout the month, it was mainly takeaway orders being taken, with few customers opting to sit inside.

Joint owner of Healthy Habits, Molly Burgess said: "(On Monday) we were busy from the moment we opened until the moment we closed. We were hoping we would attract some new customers by taking part in the scheme, and we hope that they return. Our seating is still more limited than usual, due to re-arranging to adhere to the social distancing guidelines, but we have been as busy as we could have been.

"Social media has also really helped us with promotion."

The new scheme has also proven successful for not-for-profit cafe Lounge ONE in Poole.

The cafe, which specialises in hosting community events and groups such as ukulele and knitting, found the lockdown period particularly challenging.

However, this scheme has helped the cafe give something back to the community.

Manager Beth Pink said: "It's been a blessing of a scheme and we're very, very grateful. Our community can now spend a lot less for something they'd usually buy. It's been a pleasant surprise for people who didn't know we are offering the scheme."

The cafe had a very busy day on Monday, August 3, but Beth is looking forward to welcome customers new and old to the cafe once they have finished shielding.

Beth added: "This has been the busiest Monday since we reopened. We should be able to connect with people more now."