DONATIONS amounting to more than £5,000 from The Co-operative's Community Fund have helped three groups to continue their good work in the Okehampton area. 

North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team was given £2,000 towards an industrial building, Northlew and Ashbury Victory Hall committee also scooped £2,000 towards refurbishments, and Treetops Holiday Activity Club landed £1,450 towards activity days for children.

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 across the country.

Gareth Dempster, membership officer for the Co-operative in the North East West Devon and Somerset, said: 'Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make.

'It's a scheme we're very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities.'