COMMUNITY groups have been boosted in the latest round of a supermarket scheme.

There are 12 groups in the borough that have benefited from the Co-op's community fund including Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Astley and Tyldesley Tennis Club and Lilford District Scouts.

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers, Morts Astley Heritage Trust and Wigan and Leigh People First will also be given money to help their causes.

The supermarket gives a percentage of funds to the scheme which has been built up after each Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral.

Area manager for Co-op food stores, Paul Griffin, said: “As a community retailer we want to support the causes that matter most to Co-op members such as Wigan and Leigh Hospice so we would urge people to visit us online to choose who they would like to support, and then shop with us to ensure the good causes get the most out of the fund.

“Nationwide the local community fund is making a real difference to charities and good causes throughout the country.

"Since we launched the membership scheme in September 2016, 8,000 organisations have shared £20 million and we are confident that this year we will raise a further £20 million to be shared amongst the latest 4,000 causes.”