Thousands of pounds have been raised for community space in west Dorset, thanks to shoppers.

Co-op members have generated more than £14,000 for causes across the area in just over two years.

Members receive a five per cent reward for themselves with a further on per cent going to local causes when they buy own-brand products. They can decide how the money is allocated and are encouraged to select the causes they wish to support online.

Since the Co-op launched its Local Community Fund in September 2016, 200 local causes working to protect community spaces and places across the UK and have received just under £5 million, of which nine are in west Dorset.

These include Lyme Regis Development Trust, New Axminster Youth Club and Uplyme Village Hall.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community engagement at the Co-op, said: “Our members are passionate about protecting community spaces and places which are so important when it comes to enhancing quality of life.

“The Co-op is driven by its distinctive values and principles - last year we invested £19 million in over 4,000 groups UK-wide, supporting a wide range of initiatives, all of which are helping to make communities across the UK safer, Happier and healthier places to live.

“The more people shop, the more impact we can have in communities. People can get involved by becoming a member, swiping their card and choosing the cause they want to support. By choosing their local cause, our members are telling us what really matters in their communities.”