A new loyalty card is being brought out in Gloucester this weekend aimed at supporting city centre retailers and shoppers.

The GL Card is being launched by Marketing Gloucester during the popular Residents Weekend, which starts this Friday and runs until Sunday.

The GL Card, which is a contactless card, mobile app and website for local workers, residents and visitors, provides holders with the opportunity to earn rewards and receive exclusive offers and deals from shops, eateries and attractions.

Replacing the Gloucester Residents' Card, the scheme encourages those living and working in Gloucester to support the city centre.

GL Cardholders can search GLCard.co.uk or scan their cards or mobile phones at 'Touchpoint' kiosks around the city centre to browse for nearby offers.

They can also print out vouchers from the kiosks to redeem at participating business.

Anyone can pick up a GL Card for free from Gloucester Tourist Information Centre and Gloucester Quays Customer Services Desk, and Residents' Cardholders are encouraged upgrade for free to enjoy the full benefits if the scheme.

One of the busiest weekends of the year in the city centre, Residents' Weekend is a time for people who live, work, study and visit in Gloucester to make the most of their city.

Emily Knight from Marketing Gloucester said: "The GL Card is an exciting new development for the city. Gloucester is at forefront of creating digital solutions to assist the physical high street and I believe this will really make a difference for shoppers and retailers beyond Residents' Weekend."

Gloucester City Council leader Cllr Paul James said: "This is another great step on our progress towards Gloucester becoming a leader in digital high street solutions.

"This has been made possible as part of a £1million Innovate UK grant, and is testimony to how our strategy is encouraging inward investment."

Full details of more than 100 offers available for Residents' Weekend and afterwards, plus information on the GL Card, can be found at www.GLcard.co.uk.