REDUCED price cinema tickets are on offer for Glasgow's 7000 registered carers.

Last year, the city council launched a concession card for people who look after family or friends.

It offers up to 30% off a range of services provided by the local authority and its arm's length firms.

The scheme has now been extended to include up to 20% off the cost of going to the movies at Cineworld's three city cinemas.

The discount can be used for any showing of a film and aims to help carers take a well-earned break from their responsibilities.

Council leader Gordon Matheson joined carers at the launch of the new cinema concession scheme.

He said: "We are fully committed to helping carers with their every day lives and it is fantastic that the Carer's Card has been extended to include savings on cinema tickets.

"By securing a discount on the cost of going to the movies we are aiming to take the financial pressure off carers when they are looking to take a break.

"Carers have an unbelievably important role in our society supporting family members, friends and loved ones in often difficult circumstances.

"Going to the pictures is a great form of escapism and with the Carer's Card it will be easier on the purse."

The Glasgow Carer's Privilege Card is available to all the city's registered carers.

It offers a 30% reduction on Glasgow Club gym and fitness membership, a 20% reduction at Cordia's Encore cafes, at venues such as Kelvingrove, the Mitchell Library, Emirates Arena and Riverside Museum, a 20% reduction on charges at City Parking's multi- storey car parks and a 10% reduction on purchases from Glasgow Flowers.

Carers who attend at Glasgow Life venues with the person they care for get admission free-of-charge.

The scheme is part of a wider effort to ensure greater support for carers, but it is also hoped the card will encourage unregistered carers to make contact with the council for the first time.

When it was launched in October, Mr Matheson called on city businesses to get involved and cinema operators were quick to respond.

Mike Wiles, general manager at Cineworld Glasgow, said the card would be accepted in their cinemas at Renfrew Street, Parkhead and the IMAX.

Carers who have not yet registered with the council can contact the Carers Information and Support Line on 0141 353 6504.

They can also find further information in the carers section of www.glasgow.gov.uk

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk