IN another example of how Exmouth businesses are weathering the economic storm, a local butchers has seen an unprecedented take up of their new loyalty card scheme.

IN another example of how Exmouth businesses are weathering the economic storm, a local butchers has seen an unprecedented take up of their new loyalty card scheme.

Lloyd Maunder in Exeter Road has redeemed more cards than most of the other butcher's shops in the West Country chain.

In Exmouth, 65 loyalty discount cards have been redeemed, accounting for more than 12 per cent of the total across the whole chain.

At the end of May a total of 534 discount loyalty cards had been redeemed in the 14 shops collectively saving customers a minimum of �1068 - though in reality probably a lot more.

In Exmouth the 65 cards redeemed account for savings probably well in excess of �130.

The discount loyalty card was launched in January along with 14 butcher's shops in Devon and Cornwall.

And though they have been trading in the West Country for more than 100 years, this is the first time it has run a scheme of this kind.

"We wanted to show our customers how much we value their trade," said Andrew Maunder, owner of Lloyd Maunder butchers. "We also wanted to actively encourage people to keep shopping on the high street and supporting local independent businesses through these tough economic times.

"As far as we know we're the only butchers in the area offering this kind of loyalty scheme, and customer response has been fantastic, particularly in Exmouth."

Lloyd Maunder butchers shops source their meat locally from Devon, Cornwall and Somerset.

The Exmouth shop is managed by master butcher Steve Eynon and customers are welcome to ask where meat comes from and to see it cut.