Texaco is trialling a new group loyalty card at 150 sites. The We.O.U card allows holders to pool their points (Texaco stars) to benefit local schools.

This means a group of customers can sign up for a card with one central account so a substantial fund can be built up quickly. Each cardholder receives a quarterly mailing telling them how many points have been added to the fund and they can also check their progress online at [http://www.weou.co.uk]

Points can be used by schools to cover the cost of fuel for outings or entrance tickets to attractions. They can also pay for computers or sports equipment.

In addition, Texaco is backing schools by matching any points accumulated within the first three months of opening an account. Matthew Slade, Texaco manager marketing & loyalty Europe, commented: "We want to give something back to the communities in which we operate, and if local groups want to support a good cause then we are happy to lend a hand."

Parents of pupils at the Ysgol Bro Famau school in Clwyd, North Wales, worked with their local Texaco Loggerheads service station in Mold to pilot the We.O.U scheme. The 100 parents and friends who signed up for a card have already raised £1,500.

Brian Williams, who owns the Loggerheads site, said: "The group We.O.U scheme is a great way to foster a strong communitiy spirit. People are very loyal and will run on empty to ensure they can fill up here and keep helping the school."

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