LYME Regis residents will be able to enjoy discounts on beach huts, weddings and mini golf as part of the town council's offering as part of a new 'Gateway' card.

The scheme, which will provide residents with discounts at participating local shops and businesses, will be launched on April 1. The card is being introduced by the town council, which is also participating in the scheme by making special offers on its own services available.

Cardholders will be able to take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on the hire of beach huts and on weddings at the Guildhall.

Residents with a card will also enjoy a third off the price of a game of mini golf, table tennis or the putting green in Lister Gardens.

The council already offers a range of benefits to local residents, including parking concessions, reduced rates on the hire of the Marine Parade Shelters, priority booking of beach huts, and local rates for burials.

Cllr Cheryl Reynolds, chairman of the council’s tourism, community and publicity committee, said: “The council wouldn’t expect local businesses to offer discounts without providing its own special offers.

“Services like weddings, beach hut hire and mini golf are popular with both residents and visitors, and we’d like to give something back to our residents, who support the town throughout the year.

“We hope all residents will use their card to take full advantage of the discounts.”

Several businesses have already signed up to the scheme, including Sanctuary Bookshop, Dottie Kitchen, Bell Cliff Restaurant, the Old Watch House wet fish shop, House of Flowers, Lyme Regis School of English Language, and Lyme Bay Pizza.

Cllr Reynolds added: “We are pleased these local businesses have committed to the scheme and thank them for their support.

“We hope many other businesses will recognise the benefits of being involved, for both themselves and the local residents who support them all-year-round.

“The council sees this as an opportunity to boost the local economy, help residents, and encourage people to shop local.”

Participating businesses will display a sticker in their window so residents can see where they can use their card.

The special offers will change regularly and will be advertised on the town council’s website and social media, while participating businesses will also display a poster advertising their current offers.

The card comes in two designs, created by pupils from St Michael’s Primary School and Woodroffe School.

The card will be sent by post to every person on the electoral register at the end of March and can be used from 1 April.

Anyone who is a Lyme Regis resident but is not on the electoral register, including those under the age of 18, will be able to obtain a card at the town council office by providing proof of address.

Any businesses who would like to sign up to the scheme can contact the town council on 01297 445175 or admin@lymeregistowncouncil.gov.uk