Saddleworth Co-op has worked hard to create a big impact this year and has revealed its members and colleagues have raised thousands to support local causes.

Across the country, Co-op members have raised more than £100m for 36,000 local causes in the community - and thousands put towards the pot in the Uppermill store on Highstreet has seen several charities receive a cash boost.

Friends of Bright Future School, which supports 15 students with autism at its provision in Greenfield, was one such local cause to receive the support.

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The pupils who visited the Co-op store decided to use the money to buy some much-needed IT equipment.

Dobcross Youth Band were also delighted to receive a cheque of more than £1,700.

The funds will go towards buying new instruments for younger band members as the group is keen to encourage youngsters to join and strive with the group.

A parent support group, based at The Satellite Centre in Greenfield, received a generous sum of more than £1,550.

The Saddleworth Parents Peer Support Group plans to spend the money to revitalise the group and build upon its well-being garden.

Saddleworth Co-op has decided to support a further two causes in its fundraising effort in the next 12 months.

Milgate Arts Centre, which needs to raise funds for equipment for their youth theatre, and Saddleworth Riding for the Disabled, which require a gazebo to provide shelter for families that use the centre, have been picked to receive a boost via the Co-op Local Community Fund next year.

Co-op members can select the local community fund cause they wish to support by visiting the Co-op website or via the Co-op app. 

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