THOUSANDS of North-East shoppers have been given a cash boost as they raid their wallets and purses to pay for Christmas.

The North-Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op is paying out £2.9m in dividend payments to regular customers who have the "divi" card.

Nationally, the Co-op group is giving a £15m payout, in the form of vouchers, and community groups in the region will get £76,000.

A Co-op spokesman said: "The dividend scheme is an important way of rewarding our customers for their loyalty.

"Unlike other loyalty cards, dividend pays out in cash, so the timing of this bumper payout should help our customers as they stock up for Christmas.

"In the best traditions of the Co-op, the dividend scheme also incorporates a community element.

"Thanks to the generosity of our customers, deserving local causes will be receiving almost £424,000 this time around, bringing national community dividend payments to date to £2.7m."

Customers who apply for a card earn dividend on Co-op branded goods, as well as on fresh fruit and vegetables.

There is also a one per cent reward on holidays booked with Travelcare, which is part of the Co-op group.

Travelcare is currently offering an extra £50 cash dividend on certain summer holidays booked this month and next.