Last updated 11:45, Tuesday, 02 December 2008

CO-OP shoppers in Cumbria are sharing a £124,000 Christmas bonus.

And community projects in the county will benefit from festive grants totalling almost £10,500.

The December share-out of profits to Co-operative Group members is based on their shopping at the group’s businesses during the first half of the year. Shoppers pay £1 to become members and then get points for the amount they spend.

The top earner in Cumbria in the latest dividend is a customer in Grange who will receive £224, while a member in Ulverston will collect £139.

Nationally Co-operative Group members are sharing £8.9m and a total of £500,000 will go to community organisations and charities as more than half of the Co-op members have chosen to donate all or part of their payment to worthy causes.

David Mockford, the Co-operative’s chief officer in Cumbria, said: “Our customer members are reaping the rewards of supporting their Co-operative and this payment comes in time to help them as they stock up for Christmas.

“Although we are not immune to the general economic downturn, it is worth remembering that as a co-operative organisation it is our members who benefit from our financial achievements and no faceless city traders can speculate on our business.”

The group’s interim operating profits increased by 35.6 per cent.

The Co-op businesses in the scheme include its food shops, travel bureaux, pharmacies and funeral outlets, as well as The Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Insurance.

As well as sharing in the profits, members of The Co-operative Group can stand for election to area committees, influence its social responsibility practices and assert pressure for change on a range of issues including the environment and social exclusion.

Local charities which have received grants include: Askam and Ireleth History Group – £500; Duddon Inshore Rescue – £680; Victory Hall Management Committee (Broughton in Furness) – £500; Citizens Advice Bureau, South Lakeland – £500.

A spokeswoman added: “Community groups can pick up application forms for the Co-operative Community Fund in stores.

“Local Co-operative members allocate awards based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.”