Co-op shoppers can now benefit from a new Membership app that saves them money whilst supporting excellent causes in and around Seaton.

As well as benefiting from special offers and discounts, becoming a Co-op Member allows customers to give something back to their local community.

Co-op has around 4.6 million active Members, who see 2p for every pound spent on own-brand groceries returned to their personal Membership rewards balance.

But it is not just Members that reap the rewards; the Co-op also donates the same amount (2p in every pound Members spend on Co-op own-brand groceries) to local grassroots projects.

This amount has recently doubled, and supports the vital work of local causes to create healthier and happier communities and to help those most in need, including a focus on access to food and mental wellbeing.

Since 2016, Co-op have donated over £70 million to 21,000 local causes.

Members who shop in Seaton's Co-op stores have recently helped to raise much-needed funds for Beer Men's Shed, which is tackling loneliness and social isolation in the area.

The group provides a place for men from Beer and the surrounding areas to regularly meet and put practical skills, such as woodworking, to use.

Many have taken on commissions from residents, businesses and even local authorities, offering them the opportunity to give something back and feel part of the community.

The organisation has been described as "a lifesaver" by those who regularly take part, and chairman Chris Pickles said that funds raised by Seaton Co-op Members had been invaluable in helping it get off the ground.

As part of its recently-refreshed Membership programme, the Co-op's new Membership app includes a new scannable digital Membership card, enabling consumers to swipe their card in a contactless way.

Members can also access recipe suggestions, and choose the local causes that they want to support through the app.

Exclusive personalised and tailored offers made available through the app have already seen about 250,000 Members 'bag' a free Co-op Irresistible 100g Fairtrade chocolate bar during launch week, and Scalini Prosecco 75cl offered at a special Member price of just £5.

Greg Hutchison, Director of Membership & Personalisation, Co-op, said: "Co-op is committed to creating value for our Members and communities, and with the re-fresh of our Membership programme and launch of our digital app we are now able to do even more of this.

"We're delighted to be able to reward our Members for their loyalty and to double the amount we give to local causes to support the vital work they carry out in communities during this unprecedented and challenging time."

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership