MORE than £14,000 has been raised by shoppers in Fordingbridge to benefit local causes in the area.

The Co-op store in the town presented Hyde Pre-School (£4,727), Fordingbridge Museum (£4,982) and The Sarah Kinsley Fund (£5,010), which provides support for children with special needs, with the donations on Saturday.

The money was raised as part of the Co-op’s membership scheme where shoppers, by swiping their membership cards, benefit their local communities with local causes getting one per cent of what they spend in store.

The store and its shoppers previously raised £13,000 which was presented to three causes including Fordingbridge Community First Responders.

Store manager Dean Pritchard said: “It has been another successful six months supporting these three worthwhile local causes. A personal thank you to our customers from me as you shopping locally is what has enabled this celebration day to happen and the raising of the £14,700 possible.

“It’s truly a great feeling knowing that when the benefits are passed around it is truly great for everyone.”

The store is currently raising funds for the Viper Explorers Scouts, St James CoE First School and Stepping Stones Pre-School.