A CHRISTMAS lights appeal, allotments and a school for children with learning difficulties are among the causes to benefit from a village store’s fundraising efforts.

Last year, staff and customers at the Co-operative in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, raised almost £1,000 for six causes that make a difference to the community.

Store manager Jay Salt said all 12 team members had got involved in the fundraising.

“Everyone really got behind it, especially the customers,” he said.

“Every other year, Co-op stores fundraise for a national charity and, when we are not supporting national causes, we like to raise money for charities and groups that are important within our community.

“It is about giving something back.”

As well as inviting shoppers to make donations, staff held raffles and competitions to help raise the funds.

And, this week, the team presented cheques for around £165 to each group.

This included the Cockfield Christmas Lights Appeal, the village allotments, the Oaks Special School in Spennymoor, Cockfield Football Club, Cockfield Methodist Church and St Mary’s Church.

This year, the Co-op charity of the year is the Carers Trust.