Local causes in west Dorset and east Devon have received a £48,000 funding boost from Co-op members.

The money will be shared amongst 15 organisations, including Lyme Regis Development Trust, Light Up Axminster and Beaminster Phoenix Activity Club.

This is the latest round of pay outs from the Local Community Fund and brings the amount Co-op members have invested in and around Bridport since the scheme launched in September 2016 to £159,000.

When members shop with the Co-op, one per cent of what they spend on selected Co-op branded products and services goes to support local causes through the Local Community Fund.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and shared value at the Co-op, said: “The local community fund is now a well-established way of supporting local causes who help make communities safer, happier and healthier places to live and we’re delighted to be able to support such a wide range of local groups as they help improve wellbeing in Bridport.

“By choosing their local cause online, our members are telling us what really matters in their communities and we have used this information to help us identify new groups to support throughout next year.

“Feedback from our own community wellbeing index - which highlights the areas where communities can benefit from support - has shown us that we should be focused on protecting and improving community spaces, helping people reach their full potential by developing skills and promoting health and wellbeing.”