A DONATION of £2,000 from the Co-operative's Community Fund has helped the Basement Youth Trust in Ross-on-Wye to continue employing a youth worker.

The Community Fund is created by members of The Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part, of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme.

The funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as the Basement Youth Trust, across the country.

Alexander Orr from the Youth Trust said: "This grant from The Co-operative has been a huge benefit to us and the work we do with 11-19 year olds in the area. The continued provision of a youth worker means we will be able to carry on providing activities and opportunities for local young people, which are designed to enhance their skills and their contribution to the community."

Zoe Bartlett, membership officer for the Co-operative in the Ross-on-Wye area, said: "Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make. It's a scheme we're very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities."

Co-operative members receive a payment twice a year based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the Group's businesses, including The Co-operative Food, Travel, Pharmacy and Funeralcare, as well as The Co-operative Bank, Smile and The Co-operative Insurance.

"There is around £600,000 available in this region, each year, from the Community Fund, and we welcome applications from local groups and projects for £100 to £2,000," said Zoe.

Community Fund application forms are available online at http://www.co-operative.coop/communityfund">www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by phoning 0844 262 4001. Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members' committees, based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.