Facebook Deals sends special offers straight to your mobile phone

People accessing Facebook via their mobile phones can now see special deals in their local area when they are out and about.

Facebook Deals is part of the Facebook Places feature, which uses Wifi or GPS to pinpoint where the user is. To use the new feature, the user needs to open Facebook on their mobile phone, select News Feed or Places and tap Check-in.

Then look for either the yellow or green deals ticket next to your nearby places. Tapping on a places name, eg Starbucks to see what the deal the retailer is offering and how to claim this.

For example, today various branches of Starbucks are offering a free filter coffee, while Debenhams is offering a free Benefit mascara and makeover.

Joanna Shields, Facebook's European vice-president said: "We all love a bargain so whether you're on the lookout for a special offer at your favourite restaurant or tips from a fashionista friend about a discount on shoes in a department store, Facebook Deals will help you find it.

Facebook said there will be a few different types of offer; including one-time discounts, free merchandise, charity and loyalty deals. Over the next few weeks, offers will be available from retailers including Argos, O2, Benetton and Yo Sushi.