“SHOP locally and keep the town thriving” – that’s the message in the run-up to Christmas from Jim Stride, founder of the Ringwood Loyalty Discount scheme.

He is making the call as traders in the town now look forward to a new, extended loyalty scheme which is set to get off the ground in January or February.

Mr Stride, who came up with the loyalty voucher scheme last spring to get more people using Ringwood shops and services, has now handed over the reins to Deborah Holmes, though he will be ready to lend a helping hand when necessary.

Ms Holmes has this week discussed the new scheme with the chamber of commerce.

“Ringwood Chamber of Commerce are going to support it,” she said. “They will be contacting their members to tell them about the change and would urge their support of the scheme.”

“We’ve got to email out to all the traders – it’s their scheme and we want to find out what they want to do.

“I need to speak to a few people but the idea is that we go to a plastic card scheme.”

Jim Stride will now concentrate on the job of race director of the British Pedal Car Grand Prix, which will be held in the town in July.

He said: “We’ve extended the course and it’s going to be a massive event and I will have to dedicate more time to the grand prix.”

Jim gave special thanks to Gemma Pipe of the Naughty Corner card and gift shop for her help and to the Daily Echo for publicising the loyalty scheme and publishing the vouchers.