LOCAL causes in Fordingbridge received a welcome boost thanks to donations totalling more than £12,000.

The donations from the Co-op Community Fund were presented to 1st Fordingbridge Scots, Fordingbridge Community First Responders and Avon Way Community Centre.

Store manager Dean Pritchard said: “This is a significant day for us and our community, shopping locally you directly benefit local organisations, this is something very special and represents the power of community, these worthwhile charities will now have funds to invest in additional activities and new equipment to support and help the Fordingbridge area flourish further.

"So a big thank you to our customers who have made the total amount of £12,623 possible by shopping locally over the last six months. By shopping with Co-op you are supporting your local communities and are truly making great things happen.”

The scouts received £4,024, the first responders £4,464 and Avonway £4,135.

Martin Smethers, of Fordingbridge Scouts, said: “On behalf of the 1st Fordingbridge Scout Group, I would like to thank the local community for supporting the group along with other organisations in the recent community sponsored fundraising event held at your store during the last six months.

“The total that we received of just over £4,000 will go towards our refurbishment fund to enhance the facilities of our HQ for the young people in the group and for the local community.”

Andrew Carr, Scheme Co-ordinator of Fordingbridge Community First Responders, said: “We’re thrilled to have received this significant donation from the Co-op which will help us invest further in the rollout of public access defibrillators.”

“In 2016 we purchased and installed five defibrillators. As a result of this additional funding being secured, we’ll be able to expand our efforts.”

The donation to Avonway Community Centre will be shared between its Sunday Lunch Club and Making a Meal of it Club which are designed to help alleviate loneliness and exclusion in Fordingbridge.

Chairman of Avonway Chris Calder said: "This money is a marvellous boost to Avonway’s support for the local community and will go towards launching our Sunday Lunch Club later in the year."