A MARKET town in North Yorkshire could become the latest to join a scheme to encourage shoppers to use small, independent shops.

Boroughbridge is set to adopt the Phlok – a virtual loyalty currency which allows customers who buy from member businesses to use tokens in others in exchange for goods.

More than 30 towns in Ireland have already signed up, while Ilkley in West Yorkshire was among the first to sign up in England.

Louise Leong, a spokeswoman for the Love Boroughbridge initiative, said: “It seems there’s a good chance we’ll get the critical mass we need to make the idea work well in Boroughbridge.

Boroughbridge Chamber of Trade, said: “We need more fresh ideas to keep shoppers coming back.

“Love Boroughbridge has certainly helped with our profile but we need our customers to feel the financial benefits of shopping locally too. Phlok could be a sensible next step, but the more traders we can get on board, the better.”

To find out more, go to phlok.me