COMMUNITY groups in Crewe and Nantwich are set to share a £20 million funding boost from the Co-op.

Twelve causes are set to benefit from the Co-op's local community fund, including Central Cheshire Buddy scheme, Autism Networks Resource Centre and Haslington Preschool, with each in line to receive several thousand pounds.

With 40 per cent of all charities surviving on an income of less than £10,000 according to The Charities Commission, the Co-op scheme will provide a considerable proportion of funding for many local good causes.

John Rose, area manager for Co-op food stores, said: “As a community retailer we want to support the causes that matter most to Co-op members in Crewe and Nantwich, so we would urge people to visit us online to choose who they would like to support, and then shop with us to ensure the good causes get the most out of the fund.

“Nationwide the local community fund is making a real difference to charities and good causes throughout the country. 

"Since we launched the membership scheme in September 2016, 8,000 organisations have shared £20 million, and we are confident that this year we will raise a further £20 million to be shared amongst the latest 4,000 causes.”

When a Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare they earn a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local good causes.

For details visit coop.co.uk/membership