LOYAL Oxford Mail readers are to be rewarded for having their favourite paper delivered to their homes with the chance to save hundreds of pounds this New Year.

From dry cleaning services to Italian restaurants, sports club membership to cinema tickets, readers can find all sorts of money-saving offers.

The Oxford Mail is launching its new Loyalty Card this month, giving valued readers the chance to get their hands on a raft of money-saving offers from businesses all over the county.

Only readers who pay to have the paper home-delivered six days a week will receive the free Loyalty Card.

Margaret Marsh, the Oxford Mail’s incentive manager, said: “This scheme is designed to reward valued and loyal customers and we would like as many people as possible to sign up. They will have access to a range of exclusive offers and the chance to save a lot of money off all kinds of products and services in the county.”

All readers have to do to claim the discounts is to show the Loyalty Card at the venues or retailers listed in the Loyalty Card brochure and opposite.

More than 140 local businesses have joined the scheme, from all corners of Oxfordshire, including the Oxford Wine Company, Oxford Greyhound Stadium, and Botley Road Motors.

Readers can either pay by monthly invoice or by direct debit. Those who pay by direct debit pay £2 a week instead of £2.40 – the equivalent of getting one Oxford Mail free every week.

Matthew Alden, of Meatmaster Cash and Carry, in Osney Mead, Oxford, and colleague Paul Jackson, have joined the scheme offering Loyalty Card members a range of discounts, including two trays of free sausages if they spend more than £120. The local butchers supply quality meat at trade price and customers do not have to be members.

Managing director Mr Alden said: “It is a good initiative from the Oxford Mail supporting local businesses and we all have to support each other.

“It is a growing business and Oxford Mail readers won’t believe the quality of the produce and they will be able to fill up their shopping baskets at unbelievable value.”

Oxford Mail reader Heidi Utton, of Osney Island, Oxford, has had her newspaper delivered for almost a year.

She said: “The Loyalty Card is a brilliant idea. It will be useful to be able to get discounts, I am looking forward to using my Loyalty Card.

“I like the Oxford Mail, it is good for local stories and I use it to find out what is going on as I have children.”