MORE than 4,000 residents in Leyland are cashing in on a new discount card.

Thanks to the New Progress Housing Association and a helping hand from local traders, residents can now reduce their the shopping bill on items in home decor shops, dry cleaners and electrical stores.

The free card - Progress Plus - is only the second one of its kind in the country and is designed to help the elderly and those with large families.

It offers between five and 20 per cent discounts.

Carolyn Greenhalgh of the housing association said: "Our primary role is to provide quality, affordable housing in South Ribble, however we are also interested in doing all we can to improve the quality of peoples' lives.

"Thanks to the co-operation of local traders we were able to launch the Progress Plus card in time to benefit our tenants at Christmas while also helping to boost local trade.

"All incoming New Progress tenants will in future automatically receive a Progress Plus card."

Steve May, manager of Collonade Insurance Brokers in Leyland, said: "We are pleased to be part of the scheme and we fully support it as being a great idea for both New Progress tenants and local businesses."

More traders are being encouraged to join the scheme.

Ring New Progress on 453555 ext 182 for details.

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