This weekend’s Seething Sardine Festival saw the public launch of a trial for the Kingston Pound – a borough-only currency designed to keep spending local.

The fun day was part of the Surbiton Food Festival 2014, which runs until Sunday, May 18.

>> GALLERY: See our pictures from the festival

The notes, which have a value of £1 each and sport three forms of security, were bought in advance and can be redeemed in businesses around the town.

Surrey Comet:

The new Kingston Pound note

Project leader Andrew Connolly said: “Everybody at the Sardine Festival was taking the pound. We’ve already exceeded our target.

“It’s just a trial to get people thinking about the possibilities of a local currency. It’s the only way you can engage and get lots of people involved.”