LADY Godiva and Friar Tuck took to the streets of Evesham on Sunday as the town's brand new loyalty card was launched.

The event on Sunday saw the Our Heritage loyalty card handed out to local shoppers who can now seek cash rewards for shopping in the town.

The scheme is the brainchild of business owners Dave Purser, of the Master Butchers in Avon Street, and Kim Dunn from Bonk clothing in Port Street.

Around 75 shops have already signed up to take part in the scheme, which will be stamped by shop owners and then submitted into a draw for £25 cash and prizes by the shopper.

Ms Dunn, who is also chairman of traders group Real Evesham, said she was delighted with the cards, printed by Cartridge World, and the launch.

"I think the first round will cover costs and three months of prize money," she said. "I think we have done it. It's very similar to the YES scheme. People must get their card stamped in participating shops, each shop has its own stamp and number and shoppers can only get two per shop, per card.

"Shop owners can also take part, as long as they don't use their own stamp."

It was decided to introduce the card at a meeting of Real Evesham, which was set up to help get Evesham back on its feet after the delayed closure of the town's Abbey Bridge.

"I have never seen the town so busy as it was on Sunday," she said. "It was such a good day and we handed out cards.

"I do feel it's going the right way and we are going to put Evesham back on the map."

The first draw will take place on August 4.

Ms Dunn added: "This means next year we can celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Evesham alongside the first birthday of the card."

As part of the scheme some of the money raised from each shopper will go towards the Bell Tower Appeal, which needs to raise £500,000 for the repair and conservation of the 16th century building.

People can collect cards from any of the shops taking part and should return them to the Almonry museum, ImaGine in the Market Square or Bonk in Port Street.

Any traders wishing to take part should contact Mr Purser on dpurser@live.co.uk or Ms Dunn at Bonk bonkclothing@hotmail.co.uk.