SHOPPING at the Co-op is made pleasant by the friendliness of the assistants. As the Co-op is run by its members, good ideas evolve. I particularly like the toddlers' trolleys.

I donate my dividend between three charities, namely Shelter, Royal National Institute for the Blind and The Woodcraft Folk (the Co-op's own youth organisation).

But you can donate your dividend to local causes through Share 600 Community Fund by which the Co-op supports local initiatives. Or, of course, you can keep your dividend.

The Co-op were the first store to support fair trade produce and, I believe, the first with re-usable plastic bags.

The Co-op Bank was voted the best bank in the BBC Watchdog programme. The bank is also more ethical than most other banks because they will not invest in the arms trade nor support repressive regimes.

I say three cheers for the Co-op. – Wendy Corum, Ruspidge Road, Cinderford.