SHOPPERS across the Island and beyond are using the Wight Gift Card to buy from around 100 Isle of Wight businesses, both in-store and online.

The card was launched late last year in Cowes High Street when John Irvine, chief executive of main sponsor WightFibre, made the first purchase with a Wight Gift Card in Shorelines of Cowes.

The scheme is now starting to pay back, with gift card shoppers getting themselves some local bargains as well as supporting businesses as they recover from the challenges of lockdown.

Island shoppers can win a card by sharing where they have spent their local gift card on social media, and liking or following 'Town & City Gift Cards' on Twitter or Facebook.

Those who tag the company on their photo to be put into a prize draw to win a £100 Wight Gift Card or other card of their choice.

The Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, said: "I was delighted to launch the Wight Gift Card in Cowes last year, supported by WightFibre.

"The gift card scheme follows on from recent shop local initiatives on the Island such as Fiver Fest and Let’s Buy Local.

"Seeing the Island's shops and businesses coming back to life at last is a delight, and I'm sure the Wight Gift Card will continue to play its part in this recovery."

Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex, the company managing the Town and City Gift Card scheme.

He said: “Customers have taken the first step and purchased a Wight Gift Card, now is the time to spend it.

“Your Wight Gift Card can stay in your bag, wallet or in a drawer at home, or it can be turned into drinks with friends at your local, fish and chips on the seafront, a new outfit for the warmer weather to come or a long-awaited haircut.

"Now is the time to get out and spend locally.”