Downloading the new Co-op Membership app will not only help shoppers in the Sandbach area make great savings – it will also give a boost to local causes in and around the town.

More than one million Co-op Members have now downloaded the app, which gives them extra value with in-store promotions and personalised special offers.

And all the while that Members are enjoying the great benefits of the app, including 2p in every pound returned to their personal Membership rewards balance when they buy own-brand groceries, local causes are also benefiting.

That's because the Co-op also donates 2p in every pound spent on own-brand products to local grassroots projects.

Shoppers at Co-op stores in Sandbach who download the app will be contributing to great local causes in the community.

One local cause that has felt the benefit of the Co-op's Local Community Fund is Sandbach United Football Club.

The club welcomes players of all ages, from their senior team to the juniors in the Sandbach United FC Soccer School.

Oliver Byron, the club's Head of Operations, said the funding from Co-op Members has gone towards the redevelopment of their facilities, including a new covered outdoor space for their bar. All of which will be an asset for the community as well as for the club.

By downloading the app, Members can also access recipe suggestions, and choose the local causes that they want to support. The app also includes a new scannable digital Membership card, enabling shoppers to swipe their card in a contactless way.

The money that Co-op donates helps to fund the vital work of local causes in creating healthier and happier communities and helping those most in need – with a focus on access to food and mental wellbeing. Since 2016, Co-op have donated over £70 million to 21,000 local causes.

And if that's not good news enough, you might like to know that around 250,000 Members bagged a free Co-op Irresistible 100g Fairtrade chocolate bar during launch week. Scalini Prosecco 75cl was also offered at a special Member price of just £5 during the week.

Greg Hutchison, Director of Membership & Personalisation, Co-op, said: "Co-op is committed to creating value for our Members and communities, and with the refresh 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 at the website here.