CO-OPERATIVE members in the Tavistock area have helped with the running of an an afterschool club in the town, with a grant of £2,000.

The Courtlands Active Club, run by Courtlands Pre-School, received the boost from the Co-operative's Community Fund, 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 committees.

Michelle Isaac, from Courtlands Active Club, said: 'Funding is becoming ever harder to secure, therefore we were delighted to hear that we were successful in securing this grant from the Co-operative. The cash has made a huge difference to our group, and it means more knowing the money has been donated by local people.'

Kay McCullough, chair of the South Devon Area Committee, said: '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, and now we have stores and branches in every postal area of the UK it makes it all the more relevant.'

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