Being able to eat out with friends or family is back on the menu again - and this month there's the added bonus of up to 50% off the bill at many Moorlands cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels.

The Government's 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme launched this week, offering a discount up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and soft drinks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday until 31 August.

With many local establishments participating in the scheme, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has urged people to get out and support their local hospitality businesses.

Council leader Sybil Ralphs said: "Being able to share a meal with family, or catch up with a friend over coffee, are pleasures that many of us have really missed during lockdown and that we can now begin to enjoy again as restrictions ease.

"We have some fantastic eating and drinking establishments across the Staffordshire Moorlands and many of them have signed up to the scheme so we're urging people to take advantage of the discount and support their local businesses.

"It runs throughout August and there's no limit to the number of times people can give their tastebuds a weekday treat. You don't need a voucher and there's no minimum spend - so there's every reason to return to your favourite places and to discover some new favourites as well!"

Biddulph Nub News recently posted a list of all of the local businesses that are taking part - click here to see it.

Or click here to visit the Government's website and find a participating business near your postcode.

Councillor Ralphs added: "We're pleased to see so many businesses already registered and people can visit with confidence that it's safe to do so. Businesses have worked hard to make sure they've introduced additional measures and that they are operating Covid-secure premises for their customers and staff.

"However, the virus is still with us so we all need to play our part in halting the spread by continuing to keep the required distance apart from others, washing our hands regularly or using sanitiser when out and about and getting tested if you have symptoms."