A SCHEME to promote sustainable travel for visitors was relaunched by Visit Isle of Wight last week.

Organisers are hoping the Green Star programme, which originally launched in 2016, will encourage even more Isle of Wight businesses to take advantage of the scheme.

The revised version, in partnership with the Isle of Wight Council and the Department of Transport, gives businesses the options of three levels of memberships — bronze, silver and gold — and a Green Star accreditation is available with just a few steps, such as sustainable travel options and providing electric car charging points.

Nicola Rogers, visitor travel project manager, said the relaunch event at Monkey Haven was a huge success.

"I’m pleased to say 32 businesses signed up to the new Green Star scheme. The majority of businesses reached at least silver status that shows us that there is already a lot of support for the cause across the Island.

"We are hugely grateful to everyone who came along to show their interest and commitment to the scheme. If anyone was unable to attend but would like to find out more they are more than welcome to contact me for details."

Justine Frankis, from the Inglewood Guesthouse in Sandown, said the scheme was beneficial to her business.

"Customers appreciate the fact there is availability of public transport and methods of getting around without using your car.

"The relaunched scheme means you are given the incentive to achieve a little more because there are different grades and if there is something you can’t do at the moment, you are encouraged to take it on."

Justine's husband, Johnathan, said it was a brilliant scheme that many customers got on board with.

"The buses on the Island are brilliant and the transport here means it's really easy to get around. I think the Green Star scheme is good for us as a business."