THE Fordingbridge branch of the Co-op has topped the charts for fundraising in the area – making a fabulous £7,822 for young carers.

Staff at the Ringwood Road store were tasked with raising money for the Carers Trust after it was selected as the chain’s Charity of the Year for 2013.

The Fordingbridge team organised a range of events and collections throughout the year. The money will allow Carers Trust to provide desperately needed breaks, information, advice, support and services for the nation’s hidden army of young adult carers. An estimated 500,000 14 to 25-year-olds in the UK care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems and cannot cope without their support.

Nigel Wicks, operations manager for The Co-operative Food, said: “The teams in my area have done a fantastic job putting the fun into fundraising, and I’d like to congratulate them all.

“However, special thanks go to the team in Fordingbridge, who have shown commitment and dedication to come out on top in our local charts.”

UK wide, the Co-op raised more than £6m for the trust.