Traders in Somerset are battling with the big chain supermarkets by taking part in an innovative scheme which they hope secures the future of local businesses in the town.

Orca Local Burnham-on-Sea is a new community website and loyalty scheme which offers small and local businesses a cost-effective platform to promote themselves to their local community.

Steve and Sue Spaven have set up a local business website in Burnham-on-Sea picture: Fran Stothard

The website works in conjunction with a key fob – the Orca Local Key Card – which is provided free and entitles holders to exclusive offers advertised on the website.

Prominent Burnham-on- Sea businesses supporting the scheme include G W Hurley's book, toy and sports shop and The Oak Tree Arena, home of speedway.

Orca Local is a franchise being taken up by communities nationwide.

Shoppers can visit the website to sign up for a free card, or if they do not want to wait for one to arrive by post, they can simply pop into one of the shops which distributes them. Card holders can also sign up for email alerts about offers.

Steve Spaven, of Orca Websites, whose wife Sue runs Orca Local Burnham-on-Sea, said: "The big brands spend millions on loyalty cards.

"We are trying to keep the people who are going to Weston-super-Mare and Bridgwater in the High Street.

"We have about 25 special offers on the home page. Some of the businesses also distribute the key cards.

"The aim is not just to provide an online hub for the local business community but also to provide a great incentive to get local people to shop locally again."

The website also includes information on neighbourhood policing and carries other local business advertising.

Supporter Monica Morris, of G W Hurley, said: "It's early days but we've had very positive reaction to the loyalty cards. As an independent retailer in a small town I think it's a fantastic idea.

"There is a cost to us but it is very professionally organised, by local people.

"This sort of thing has been talked about for years but no one had organised it. E-commerce has come and this is a way we can benefit."

Mrs Morris's business is offering ten per cent off artists' materials when a customer spends more than £20 and 15 per cent off full-price football boots. Customers can join the scheme in the shop and instantly take advantage of its benefits.

For more information visit http://orcalocal.co.uk/burnham-on-sea.