WILTSHIRE’S pub and restaurant owners are hoping August’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme will boost the coffers.

Diners will receive a 50 per cent discount, up to a maximum of £10 per head, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August under the programme.

The Old Ham Tree at Holt reopened on Thursday and June Carr, mother of Steph Carr, who runs the pub with her partner Sam Liverton, said they were looking forward to seeing customers who wish to take advantage of the scheme.

She said: "I think it's an excellent programme. It's a good incentive for people to come back out and we're looking forward to welcoming them all back in our safe environment."

Caroline Philpott, at The New Inn in Westwood, near Bradford on Avon, said: "I think it's a good idea and it's certainly getting people out.

"Our takings on Wednesday were double what they were on Wednesday last week.

"I was worried about putting the bills together but it didn't turn out to be as complicated as I thought it was going to be.

"Business is picking up again but the 'no shows' have really got to be knocked on the head because it isn't fair.

"We are only allowed 30 people in the pub at any one time and to have 11 'no shows' is a third of our capacity.

"I just think that people have got to be more considerate and to think about what they are doing."

The diner discount, which will only apply to participating business, was announced by the Chancellor to boost spending on Britain’s ailing High Streets.

There are more than 90 eating establishments listed as taking part in the scheme within a five-mile radius of Bradford on Avon town centre.

Many popular pub and pizza chains have also signed up to take part.

You can use the scheme as many times as you like and you don’t need a voucher. There is also no minimum spend, so even coffee and cake count.

To see where you can eat out with a £10 discount, go to https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/