NINE community groups in Bromsgrove have benefitted from a slice of £27,000, which has been raised by the Co-op’s membership scheme and the 5p bag levy.

Each time a Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan from Funeralcare, one per cent of the cost goes towards local good causes.

All of those one per cent rewards, plus the proceeds of the 5p carrier bag charge, has resulted in a funding pot of £27,000 shared to good causes in the community.

Chief membership officer at the Co-op, Rufus Olins, said: “The Co-op has always been community focussed.

“The original Rochdale Pioneers were motivated by the need to improve the living conditions of those within their local community and they also understood that values were just as important as value.

“By listening to our members we are able to identify what communities care most about and then offer support that really makes a difference, and by working with and supporting local good causes great things are happening.”

Good causes which have benefitted in Bromsgrove include Libby Mae's Little Angels, North Worcestershire Basement Projects, and Primrose Hospice.

Nationally, 4,000 good causes have shared a total funding pot of £9 million.