A PIONEERING scheme urging Cheadle people to support local traders has been hailed as a success by organisers.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council launched a Shop Local campaign four months ago in Cheadle, Leek and Biddulph.

The scheme was created in a bid to help independent stores survive the recession.

Shoppers have been collecting stamps in loyalty passports with each purchase from participating businesses.

By doing so, they then enter a monthly cash prize draw in a bid to win £50.

Helen Anderson, town centre co-ordinator for Cheadle, said: "The feedback we've had has been positive and we're now looking at making more people aware in a bid to step the scheme up a gear.

"We need to keep the momentum going and, as well as the shoppers who are already taking part, get new ones to be active in Shop Local too. It's been successful so far and many shops have ran out of stickers.

"It's about sending out a message to our shoppers to support the high street and the smaller businesses in this difficult climate."

Only a handful of High Street shops have yet to sign up to the scheme.

To help boost Shop Local, inviting national companies to support the idea is now being considered.

And there are also plans in the pipeline to expand the Shop Local scheme to smaller villages in the Moorlands.

Stuart Morris works at Cheadle Post Office and says the scheme has worked well.

He said: "I think it was a well thought out idea, especially in the current climate.

"Our shoppers have been asking for stickers on a regular basis and I'm pleased to hear they are thinking of expanding the scheme further."

Ann Griffin is the owner of Cheadle Pet Stores on Cross Street, and she has also welcomed the scheme.

She said: "We have done quite well with the scheme and our shoppers have seemed keen to collect the stickers.

"I was in favour of Shop Local when I first heard about it and I am glad it all seems to be going well. Hopefully it will continue that way."

The scheme was launched in February and shops and businesses were given support materials, including posters and window stickers to promote their participation in the scheme.

Retired Linda Hurst was the lucky £50 winner of the June draw for Shop Local.

She has been collecting stamps since February.

Linda, from Cheadle, said: "I've always shopped local so this was a bit of a bonus for me.

"But people who perhaps go elsewhere do have an extra reason to shop locally now."