TWO community groups have benefitted from the Co-operative's Community Fund.

Okehampton Skate Group has received £1,000 towards building a new skate plaza in the town. And the Meeth Village Hall Committee have been given £350 to replace the hall's main door and some of the wood windows.

Richard Green, from Okehampton Skate Group said: 'We are very grateful to The Co-operative for this award, which is more than we had expected, and will make a real difference to this project to provide a skate park for young people in the area.'

The Community Fund is created by members of the Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part, of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme.

The funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as Okehampton Skate Group and Meeth Village Hall Committee, across the country.

Community Fund application forms are available online at http://www.co-operative.coop/communityfund">www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by phoning 0844 262 4001.

Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members' committees, based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.