TODAY the Bolton Evening News launches a fantastic free scheme to earn thousands of Bolton residents cash savings on household bills.

The BEN has teamed up with 100 top Bolton businesses and agencies including Bolton Council and the Post Office to introduce the gold "Bolton Customer Loyalty Card".

And the idea couldn't be simpler.

All folk have to do is complete an easy process to sign up for the BEN initiative and then hand their Centrepoint card to participating outlets -- including shops, pubs, newsagents and restaurants -- when they buy goods.

With most businesses every £1 spent earns residents points which go towards savings on either their gas, electricity or telephone bill.

Alternatively, leisure vouchers can be claimed to save cash at Bolton Council venues including The Albert Halls, The Water Place and several leisure centres.

And, in some stores, folk can swipe their card for FREE to enter prize draws.

But that's not all.

Over the next three days -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- we've got 10,000 cards to give away with £2 worth of free points for those who buy the BEN.

Tonight, tomorrow and on Saturday we'll print a special token.

All readers have to do is take just ONE token to one of three special BEN stands located in the town centre on Friday and Saturday to claim their personalised cash-boosted card while stocks last.

Even if you forget your token -- don't worry! The gold Centrepoint card can still be obtained by buying a copy of the BEN at one of our stalls.

Alternatively, a limited number of cards with £2 worth of points are available Friday to Sunday at participating outlets, listed left.

This fantastic scheme -- also supported by Bolton Altogether Better Initiative and Bolton Town Centre Partnership -- aims to encourage folk to stay loyal to shops in Bolton by rewarding them with a genuine cash-back guarantee.

All of the 100 stores involved offer different incentives for Centrepoint gold card-holders.

But with top shops including Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, C&A, BHS, Boots, Prestons of Bolton, Thomas Cook and JR Taylors of Bolton all taking part, the system is set to be a real success.

So read on and get supporting YOUR town and SAVE MONEY by signing up.

Every week the BEN will also keep people informed of the latest gold card news with a special Centrepoint feature.

BEN managing director John Waters said: "I am delighted to be launching this initiative.

"Going for gold is a great way to get behind our great town and save hard-earned money into the bargain."

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