A store manager has told first-hand how he saw the impact of climate change to the environment during a recent fundraising trip to the Sahara. 

Colin Mason, manager of the Co-op's Lawton Way store in Elworth, went on a 50-kilometre trek through the Sahara Desert for the retail giant's chosen charity, Barnado's. 

The keen hiker, who did a degree in physical geography before starting his retail career, says he saw dried-up river beds and communities which had been forced to move closer to towns because of a lack of water. 

Colin took part in a trek to the Saharato raise funds for the Co-op's chosen charity. (Photo: Colin Mason)

Colin has raised more than £2,000 through a JustGiving page for the Sahara/Toubkal Co-op Trek here  and donations are still coming in.  

Sandbach Nub News told here how Colin had done an Everest base camp fundraising trip with the Co-op previously. 

He said: "We saw dry river beds and just a complete lack of water. The snow from the mountains was no longer coming down and communities had fled. 

Colin saw dried up river beds and a complete lack of water. (Photo: Colin Mason)

"There was no way anyone could survive there. We saw abandoned mud huts and old settlements. 

"They had moved closer to Marrakesh to survive. It was sad to see the impact of climate change." 

Colin, who became manager of the Lawton Way store last year, says we must all do our part in fighting climate change. 

"Even here, we're seeing how seasons are changing. It's important we all play our part in stopping the impact where we can of climate change," he said.  

Remains of a deserted mud hut after community had moved to survive. (Photo: Colin Mason)

Colin set up a book, CD and DVD donation stall in the store, which is still there, to raise funds for the charity.   

The Co-op nationally has developed a climate plan here and has pledged to do its bit to reduce climate change. 

It says: "It cannot be overstated: climate change is real and life-threatening. The science is clear and indisputable. "Climate is already affecting the foods we all rely on and the people who produce them. 

Dried up river beds in the Sahara. (Photo: Colin Mason)

"In successive years our members have voted for us to formally recognise the climate emergency then accelerate our response. This plan sets out how we intend to do so." 

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