AN independent trader who runs a cheese stall in St Nicholas' Market has shown support for the new currency.

Mel Taylor, who works for Trethowan's Dairy, said: "I think it's a really good idea.

"It's all about keeping money in the local area. There might be a little more administration involved but it would be worth doing."

Ciaran Mundy, project leader for the scheme, said: "It's a struggle sometimes for independent traders to compete against all the big, traditional firms despite the fact that they sell high-quality produce.

"The new currency will help to support independent traders such as this cheese stall."

Mr Mundy is director of Bristol Pound Community Interest Company (CIC) which has formed a partnership with Bristol Credit Union.

Mr Mundy, who was previously an entrepreneur in the telecoms industry, is director of Transition Bristol, an organisation which deals with sustainability issues such as climate change.

Other members of the Bristol Pound team include:

● James Berry, chief executive of the Bristol Credit Union.

● Mark Burton, a doctoral student at Bristol University who teaches on the financial system and possible alternatives.

● David Hunter, a lawyer who has worked on forging links between the new currency and major institutions and employers in the city such as Bristol City Council.

● Adele Graham, graphic designer and brand manager who has been engaged with marketing the scheme.

● Stephen Clarke, a practising solicitor and partner with Clarke Willmott, who is a member of the city's Green Capital Momentum Group.

● Chris Sunderland, co-ordinator of Agora, a charity which seeks the renewal of society.

● Daniel Pidcock, web designer who built the Bristol Pound website, http://bristolpound.org.