SEVEN causes in Knutsford and Holmes Chapel have benefited from a share of £20 million in charity funding from members of the Co-op.

Community groups including Hampers of Hope, Scout groups and PTAs will receive thousands of pounds each to support their work this year.

By purchasing own-brand products or funeral plans, Co-op members earn rewards for good causes as selected online, with these rewards currently totalling £20 million shared across 8,000 causes nationwide.

Those boosted by the latest funding are Hampers of Hope, the Friends of 1st Holmes Chapel Scout Group, Holmes Chapel Rugby Union Football Club, 2nd Knutsford Scout HQ, Friends of the Moor, The Abbeyfield Knutsford Society, and Friends of Mobberley PTA.

Matt Arrigonie, 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 such as The Abbeyfield Knutsford Society.

“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.”