SHOPPERS across Peeblesshire can help to do their bit for charity - each time they spend.

The Co-op branch in the town has launched a Local Community Fund, part of the companies drive to support causes in the surrounding areas.

The money is collected when shoppers purchase Co-op branded products and services, with 1% of their spend going to a local cause. The more money collected from shoppers as they spend, the more money is donated to these good causes.

Community Pioneer for the Co-op at Innerleithen, Carrie McDonald told the Peeblesshire News: "This is fantastic news for the area, and a great initiative from the Co-op to give back in the community. 

"We've got three local charities we're donating the money to: the Innerleithen Playgroup, Peebles Youth Action, and music charity Nomad Beat. The charities will change every sixth months. But it's lovely to play a part in helping to launch this at my branch in Innerleithen, and we're looking forward to helping others in the area."

The branch joins other many stores across the country, such as nearby Peebles, who will also be supporting groups in the area. 

The Peebles store is donating it's sales to the same charities as Innerleithen. Plus every staff member from the store will give up their time to volunteer at the British Red Cross shop.

Newly-appointed assistant manager Ryan Barnes said: “Sandra (the manager of the British Red Cross shop) is a regular customer of ours and works all the hours under the sun to keep her charity shop open and organised. We all know what its like to work in retail, so the least we could do is offer a little bit of help!”

Money from sales of reusable carrier bags, and the five pence legal charge on carrier bags (where applicable) will also be used to kick start the funding for each cause. So that’ll mean even more money for the community groups.

For more details on the Co-op's new initiative, visit: http://www.co-operative.coop/membership/local-community-fund/.