BORDERS community groups have received more than £15,790 from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

The Border Search and Rescue Unit received £3,452; while Peer 2 Peer Mindfulness, which is based in Kelso, was given £1,904.

The funding is not the only benefit for these groups, with 95 per cent of causes saying they felt more connected with their community after participating in the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

They also said that being part of the scheme had helped to raise their profile locally.

The amount each group receives is driven by Co-op members, who select the local cause they wish to support via the Co-op’s Membership App.

Since 2020, the Co-op’s Local Community Fund has shared more than £58 million with more than 20,500 community groups across the UK.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op, said: "Co-op is a different way of doing business - and as a business owned by you, we are committed to doing right by you and your community.

"Co-op members have a say on where they would like to see the support given in order to make a difference locally, and our Local Community Fund works to promote healthy, strong and viable communities.

"We are delighted that as a direct result of our members shopping with us, causes in towns, villages and cities across the UK will be celebrating receiving critical funding.

"We know things are increasingly tough for communities - this funding will help them with delivering the services and support that their community needs and create a real and tangible difference to local lives."

The Co-op, one of the 'world’s largest' consumer-owned co-operatives, has a 180-year history.

Its members own the business and play a key role in its governance, having a say in how the organisation is run.

The Co-op exists to create social, economic and ownership value for its membership, including member-only price savings across everyday essentials, and personalised offers via the Co-op Membership App.

The funding is further boosted through the convenience retailer’s ‘Winners Share It All’ prize draw, which offers 10 chances each month to win £5,000 for causes and £500 for Co-op members.