COMMUNITY groups across Tynedale are set to benefit from over £40,000 in funding from the Co-op.

The Co-op’s new membership scheme rewards customers with a five per cent saving on
own-branded products and services.

And for for each purchase made, the Co-op will make a one per cent donation to community organisations.

The Co-op says it expects to make £41,000 available to more than a dozen local causes.

They include Haydon Bridge Community Association, the Haydon Bridge Development Trust, Bardon Mill and Henshaw Village Hall and Wark Recreational Charity.

Others include: Corbridge Middle School PTA, Tynedale Stroke Club, Tyndale Talking Newspaper, Haltwhistle Gymnastics Club, Haltwhistle Little Star, Haltwhistle Senior Citizens’ Fund, Dragon Tale Theatre Group, Prudhoe Community Band and Prudhoe Community Workshop Trust.

President of the Co-op membership council Nick Crofts said the scheme is part of a re-branding exercise.

He added: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum.

“We aim to do business a better way, and what better way than to give back to communities as a reward for shopping with us?

“Our members have a unique opportunity to make a difference locally simply by using their
Co-op card when they shop with us.

“Co-op stores are here to support their members and the communities they live in and the money raised will provide much- needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.

New membership cards have been issued to members as part of a re-launch for the Co-op, which see the return of the iconic ‘clover leaf’ logo, used from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Mr Crofts added: “Our new Co-op look, featuring the iconic ‘clover-leaf’ design, represents all that we stand for, our proud heritage and our decision that membership and community, the very things that makes us truly distinctive, must be at the heart of all we say and do.”