Bristol Pound launched

The Bristol Pound has come into circulation.

Shoppers will now able to buy goods using the new currency. The idea behind the 'pound' is to keep money in the local economy, by spending it with independent traders.

More than 350 firms in the city have signed up, making it the UK's largest alternative to sterling.

Unlike previous schemes which have relied on paper, the Bristol Pound can be used online, even by mobile phone.

Its creators hope to print a million pounds in the first year.

Watch the full report by Tanya Mercer here: