EVERY household in Herefordshire will be offered £15 to spend in independent shops.

Every one of the county's 90,000 households can apply for a prepaid card loaded with the money to spend as a part of the council's new Shop Local campaign.

This is set to help the county's local and independent traders.

The campaign aims to kickstart the local economy by encouraging residents to spend their money with local producers, retailers, and shopkeepers whenever they can.

It is part of the council's £6million programme of work to help the county's economic and wellbeing recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

Free weekend bus travel and activities to encourage residents to get active are also included.

Leaflets promoting the card will start dropping through letterboxes in December and the council is urging every household to apply for its card as quickly as possible.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2022.

Councillor Ellie Chowns, cabinet member environment and economy said: "Herefordshire's fabulous local and independent retailers, producers, traders and hospitality sector help make our county the special place we all love, but they have had a particularly tough time during the Covid pandemic."

"The run-up to Christmas will be a key period for Herefordshire's economy – and local and independent traders.

"By incentivising residents to shop local at such an important time, the council hopes to boost overall spend with the local business community both in the run up to Christmas and beyond."

To apply go online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/shoplocal and fill in the simple form or call 01432 260027.