Community groups have received more than £12,000 in funding from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

Tullochan received £5,259 and West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare was given £7,139.

The Co-op said that 95 per cent of the groups who received funding said that 'they felt more connected with their community as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.'

Co-op members drive the amount received by the local cause by selecting the local cause they would like to support via Co-op’s Membership App.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op, said: "Co-op is a different way of doing business - and as a business owned by you, we are committed to doing right by you and your community.

"Co-op members have a say on where they would like to see the support given in order to make a difference locally, and our Local Community Fund works to promote healthy, strong and viable communities.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-opRebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op (Image: Co-Op)

"We are delighted that as a direct result of our members shopping with us, causes in towns, villages and cities across the UK will be celebrating receiving critical funding.

"We know things are increasingly tough for communities - this funding will help them with delivering the services and support that their community needs and create a real and tangible difference to local lives."

Funding is boosted through the convenience retailer’s ‘Winners Share It All’ prize draw which offers 10 chances each month to win £5,000 for causes and £500 for Co-op members.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership.