East Lancashire charities to receive a slice of Co-op community fund

More than 20 organisations including Pendle Dogs In Need, Blackburn Foodbank, Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and the 2nd Rossendale Scout Group will receive cash from the Co-op Membership scheme.

The money was raised came from the supermarket’s customers buying own-brand products and collecting one per cent of every purchase to be shared nationally.

Among those who received money, Pendle’s Riding for the Disabled Association was awarded £4,115 and Bosom Friends was given £4,456.

In total, more than £9million will be awarded to 4,000 charities across the UK.

Sharon Ashley, manager at the dog charity, which got £1,457.80, said: “The money raised by the Co-op and its members will enable us to extend our community work.

“It will allow us to go into schools and care homes and let people get closer to animals and have positive experiences from it.”

Rufus Olins, the Co-op's membership officer, said: “We have always been community focused.

“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 offer support that really makes a difference.

“By working with good causes great things are happening.”