A RICHMOND supermarket has helped two local groups by awarding them grants of £2,000 each.

The Co-operative’s Community Fund is a pot of money accumulated by member customers opting to donate all or part of their annual dividend to good causes in the area.

The money is distributed by the Co-operative’s local area committee.

Richmondshire Cricket Club has received a grant to buy mobile cricket covers for the club’s grounds; and Home Start Richmondshire will use the funds towards running costs for the group which supports families across the region.

Kerry Ellis, from Home-Start Richmondshire, said: “Funding is becoming ever harder to secure, therefore we were delighted to hear that we were successful in securing this grant.

“The cash has made a huge difference to our group, and it means all the more knowing that the money has been donated by local people.”

Margaret Silcock, chair of the North Yorkshire Area Committee said: “Supporting local communities has been an inherent part of the Co-operative’s values and principles since the very beginning of the Co-operative Movement.

“We are particularly proud of the Community Fund, as it demonstrates how the generosity of our members can make a real difference in their local area.” Community Fund application forms are available online at www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or 0844-262-4001.