A market town co-operative food store has linked with local businesses in a bid to encourage residents to shop locally and support the community.

The Midcounties Co-op food store in Morris Central Shopping Park, in Wem, Shropshire, teamed up with 12 local firms to launch the Live Local, Shop Local campaign last weekend.

The initiative sees the shop offer exclusive discounts to spend at local firms, such as Jack Davies Cycles, Wem Drycleaners and Treacle Mine Café.

Co-op members who use the vouchers to support local traders receive more vouchers to spend at the Co-op store.

The Midcounties Co-op said the scheme formed part of a wider programme of support from the society offered in Wem.

The mutual also supported local businesses with a range of locally-made food and drink from suppliers, such as Pimhill Farm and Maynard’s Farm in Shrewsbury, Shropshire Granola in Bridgnorth and Kit’s Kitchen in Worcester.

Simon Thornley, the Wem store’s manager, hoped the initiative would encourage members to support local firms and help keep business thriving in the community.

“We’re looking forward to introducing the vouchers in the store and hope our members will enjoy the discounts on offer,” he said.