Downloading the new Co-op Membership app will not only help shoppers in the Shepton Mallet area make great savings, but also gives a boost to local causes in 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. This includes 2p in every pound being returned to their personal Membership rewards balance when they buy own-brand groceries.

And all the while Members are enjoying the great benefits of the app, 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.

Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) is one of Shepton Mallet's local causes that has received a funding boost from Co-op Members. SWEDA provides support for anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders.

It does this by engaging with people who are affected by eating disorders, including family, friends and carers. They offer hope and provide access to support services that work hard to empower recovery.

SWEDA community support worker, Emma Trebble, says the money they have received from the Co-op has been invaluable, and will go towards providing resources that help many of the young people they see in early intervention projects.

Members can also access recipe suggestions, and choose the local causes that they want to support through the app. The app also includes a new scannable digital Membership card, making the process contact-free.

Since 2016, Co-op has donated over £70 million to 21,000 local causes, and the recent programme refresh has seen the amount Co-op donates to local causes double.

And if that's not good news enough, you might like to know that around 250,000 Members have 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 that week.

Greg Hutchison, Co-op's Director of Membership & Personalisation, 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 by visiting the Co-op website.