Nine charities and community organisations have received a share of £20,000 following a successful business initiative run by the Co-op.

Wellspring Counselling Ltd, Cleeve, Claverham and Yatton Scout Group, plus Yatton Youth Club, are among those to have benefitted from the group’s community funding scheme.

Shoppers using the Co-op’s loyalty card earn themselves a five per cent reward for buying the company’s products and a further one per cent for community causes.

Rufus Olins, the Co-op’s director of community and campaigns, said: “It’s great to be delivering an early Christmas present to those communities and individuals that need it most.

“Since the scheme launched Co-op members have helped to raise an amazing £20million for 8,000 causes nationally, but we want to do more, so the more people shop, the more good causes can earn.”