The Deal Card - a loyalty card to be used by customers at shops and businesses - was unveiled today at the Astor Theatre.

With 55 days to go until it is formerly launched, business owners were told about the scheme and its planned benefits at a special business breakfast.

The free paper card costs nothing for customers and businesses who get involved.

It will offer discounts as well as the chance to showcase shops and the businesses of tradesmen and other services to residents and visitors to Deal.

“It’s all about cross selling,” said Mark Goldfinch, one of the volunteers in the not-for-profit venture.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea and I can’t wait for it to start” - Clair Hawkins

He is among James Tillitt and Freddie Middleton from the Astor, and Chris West who developed Herne Bay and Whitstable’s successful loyalty card schemes.

The launch date is Monday, May 5.

Businesses that want a premium membership can pay £60 a year (£5 a month).

They will be able to have their own page.

Another benefit to customers and businesses is there will be an aggregator, where a consumer can search for a product or service, and names of businesses where they can find it will be displayed.

“It’s exactly what Amazon does,” said Mr Goldfinch.

After the presentation, prospective Parliamentary candidate Clair Hawkins said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea and I can’t wait for it to start.”

Mr Goldfinch added: "A lot more people came to find out about it than I expected."

For the full details and reaction, see next week’s Mercury.