Shoppers at the Co-op in Mansfield and Forest Town helped youngsters take a trip to the countryside, after money collected through their membership scheme helped to buy new equipment and fund a camping expedition for a Scout group.

8th Mansfield Scout Group, one of the oldest Scout Groups in Mansfield, started shortly after the movement was founded by Lord Baden Powell in 1907.

It used the money, raised through the Co-op local community fund, to ensure affordable camping trips for all the young people in the group, as well as to buy essential camping kit.

Under the Co-op’s local community fund, members receive a five per cent reward for any purchases they make of own-brand products and services, with a further one per cent directly benefiting local causes.

Shoppers at the Co-op stores on Southwell Road West, Mansfield, and in Forest Town, alongside Funeralcare homes in Mansfield, supported the Scouts.

Valerie Severn, Group Scout Leader, said: “The Co-op community fund donations have enabled the group to bring our camping capabilities right up to date. We also purchased everyday play equipment for sports and weekly meetings.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community engagement at the Co-op, said: “Through working with causes such as the 8th Mansfield Scout Group, we are bringing local members and local causes together to strengthen bonds and make Mansfield a better place to live.”

By joining the Co-op’s membership scheme, shoppers can contribute to money raised for causes, and choose which groups to support, at www.coop.co.uk/membership

In Nottinghamshire, there is under £140,000 waiting to be allocated to groups in the area.