A LOYALTY programme for business customers has been introduced by a Blackburn hotel.

The town's Moat House is one of seven in the North West to take part in the Crown Collection Card scheme.

Business guests are given a magnetic swipe card which they can use each time they stay at one of the hotels to collect points towards free weekend breaks.

"This new card replaces our voucher based scheme, and is the logical progression for our loyalty programme," said Mike Jones, sales and marketing director.

"With the card being easier to use, we hope that it will encourage guests to try more of our hotels and their facilities."

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