Mansfield has become one of three areas selected to trial innovative new interactive Touchpoint technology that aims to bring more people into town centres.

Rewarding Visits has chosen Mansfield to host up to seven Touchpoint units, which combine display screens and voucher printers.

It is hoped that town centre retailers and businesses will display their latest products and services, and offer vouchers that shoppers can print and use.

To print a voucher, shoppers will need a new I Love Mansfield card, which will replace the current I Love Mansfield privilege cards.

It is hoped the screens will be located in accessible points across the town, including potentially in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, the bus station, and at West Notts College.

Sarah Nelson, the manager of Mansfield BID (Business Improvement District), who is co-ordinating the project, said: “Rewarding Visits are developing exciting technology that has town centres at its heart.

“It’s fantastic to see that they have looked at Mansfield and seen that it shows a huge amount of potential.

“It’s great to see that Mansfield’s award-winning, free public wifi system in the town centre was a big plus for the decision to site the Touchpoints here.”

The Touchpoint technology also means that an app for mobile devices will be developed, showing the offers and so encouraging people into the town centre to print off the vouchers.

Guy Chatburn, of Sutton Coldfield-based Rewarding Visits, said: “This will help put Mansfield in the spotlight for driving footfall into the town centre. This is pioneering stuff that is not available elsewhere.

“Mansfield is an ideal location for this as it already has a great offering and is the go-to destination for a large geographical area.”

As part of the new scheme, which should be in place in the New Year, people are being asked to help design the new cards. People should create a design that shows why they love Mansfield town centre. The competition is open to all ages.

For a template of the card and further details, go to www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk or collect a template form the customer service desk in the Four Seasons Centre. The closing date is 18th November at 5pm.