SHOPPERS across the region are celebrating a cash windfall of £1.85m.
The payout marks the relaunch of the Co-op Dividend scheme, which will also help raise money for local good causes.
The money will be shared among shoppers who are members of the North Eastern and Cumbrian Co-operative scheme.
Shopppers in Whitby will enjoy the largest payout, sharing £102,000, dividend cardholders in Chester-le-Street, share £75,000, and those in Prudhoe get £71,000, Hexham £79,000, Wallsend £56,500 and Richmond £55,500.
Community projects in the region will benefit as the scheme is expected to raise about £67,000 for good causes.
The Co-op dividend relaunch, today, will see shoppers earn three pence for every £1 they spend on Co-op brand items and fresh food, and a penny on every £1 on every other product in food stores.
The scheme had previously paid five per cent on Co-op brand items only, but has extended the scheme to other ranges following customer demands.
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