COMMUNITY groups across Redditch and Alcester have received a share of a £36,000 cash windfall.

The Co-op has donated to 18 good causes, including Redditch Nightstop and Hopper Haven.

When a Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare they receive a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local good causes.

All those one per cent rewards, plus the proceeds of the carrier bag charge in England, has resulted in the £36,000 pay out in the two towns.

Nationally, 4,000 good causes are sharing a total pot of £9 million.

Co-op chief membership officer 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."

The Co-op has 4.3 million active members including 750,000 recruited since the new scheme began on September 21 2016.