MORE than a dozen businesses in Helensburgh and the surrounding area have signed up to the UK government's Eat Out to Help Out initiative.

The UK-wide scheme is aimed at encouraging people to eat out again, supporting 100,000 businesses nationwide and helping protect 1.8 million employee jobs across the country.

The scheme will run every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday between August 3 and 31, and will see diners get 50 per cent off food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total value of £10 per person if eating in a participating restaurant.

As a customer you don't need to do anything in advance to use the scheme, although many restaurants and cafes are asking customers to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

You don’t need a voucher to use the scheme and you can use it at the same time as other offers and discounts.

There is no minimum spend. Alcoholic drinks and service charges are excluded from the offer.

Businesses in Helensburgh and the surrounding area taking part in the scheme include:

- Masala Twist, James Street, Helensburgh - 01436 676665

- The Commodore Inn, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh - 01436 676924

- The Ruby, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh - 01436 674080

- Cattle & Creel, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh - 01436 269278

- La Barca Tapas & Wine Bar, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh - 01436 268518

- Padrone Pizza, West Clyde Street, Helensburgh - 01436 674252

- Annaya’s Indian, West Princes Street, Helensburgh - 01436 670001

- Sugar Boat, Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh - 01436 647522

- Riverhill Courtyard, West Princes Street, Helensburgh - 01436 676730

- The Cardross Inn, Main Road, Cardross - 01389 841358

- Rosneath Castle Park, Castle Isle, Rosneath - 01436 831208

- Cafe at Kilcreggan, Shore Road, Kilcreggan - 01436 842022

- Ben Arthur’s Bothy, Main Street, Arrochar - 01301 702241

- Luss Fish & Chip Company, Luss - 01436 860524

- The Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel, Luss - 01436 860201

- Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Luss - 01436 860420

- Coach House Coffee Shop, Luss - 01436 860341

- Duck Bay Hotel & Marina, Arden - 01389 751234

- The Inn on Loch Lomond, Inverbeg - 01436 860678

To search for participating eateries in your area, click here.

For more information for businesses about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, visit gov.uk/government/publications/get-more-information-about-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme/get-more-information-about-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme.