MINEHEAD traders are hoping that a prosperous Christmas is on the cards this year - thanks to an ambitious gift scheme which is part of the town centre’s recovery plans.

Minehead Gift Cards are now available to pick up in a range of businesses across Minehead. Customers can then add a balance to the gift card using a free service called Load This Card.

Cards are also available to buy online, with gift message and delivery direct to the recipient. They can be bought for from £5 to £500 and spent with businesses in the town on shopping, food and drink, accommodation, leisure, attractions and services.

The card scheme is a joint project between Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), Minehead Business Improvement District (BID), the town council and the county council. It works like a regular store gift card keeping money in the town and making shopping simple for residents and visitors.

Businesses take part in the scheme free of charge. They includeWoolly and Wild, a family-run gift shop in The Avenue, and Blueberry, which offers silver jewellery, diamond crystal art, bath products and scented candles, plus a Christmas range and stocking fillers. Artist Leo Davey is also part of the scheme and says the gift card gives people access to the best of Minehead:

Minehead BID manager Andrew Hopkins said: “You can now pick up a Minehead gift card from eight locations around the town - visit https://bit.ly/pickupacard - and load it with any value up to £150 yourself. Perfect for a last minute gift .”

Minehead businesses can still register to be a part of the scheme using https://bit.ly/mineheadcardsignup or by contacting Sally Turner at [email protected]

Full details in today’s Free Press (December 3).