Large numbers of hospitality businesses across the country are taking part in the Government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which began yesterday.

Eat Out to Help Out gives customers a 50 per cent discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a maximum of £10 per diner, Monday to Wednesday throughout August.

A survey conducted by trade body UKHospitality found that 84 per cent of businesses surveyed are taking part in the scheme, with more than half of businesses planning on rolling out the scheme across all their venues.

Across Gloucestershire, hundreds of food businesses have signed up for the program. When we searched the Eat Out to Help Out website for restaurants offering the promotion within five miles of Gloucester city centre, we found 100 businesses listed. Likewise, in Cheltenham we also found 100, Stroud 88, Tewkesbury 30 and in Coleford 32.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "It looks like our sector has been quick to adopt the scheme and we have seen examples of innovative menu additions aimed at tempting customers.

Punchline adds: It's important to support local businesses in these difficult economic times and we hope the general public will make the most of the scheme and Eat Out to Help Out throughout August.