BORDERS charities are set to get a funding boost thanks to a multi-million pound community fund.

Groups from across the Borders will be able to access their share of millions of pounds of charitable donations made by Co-op members using their membership cards.

Nine organisations in the Borders, such as Works+, the Rural Scottish WI, Lauder Out of School Club and Beyond Earlston, will receive a cut of any money raised if selected by Co-op members.

In order for a group to access this fund, they first need to be chosen by a Co-op member as their selected charity to support.

Everytime a Co-op member shops or uses the supermarket's funeral services, as well as personal benefits, one per cent of their spend goes into the community fund which helps support local good causes.

Last year charities in the Borders were given £27,000 from the Co-op's community fund.

Nick Crofts, President of the Co-op Council, whose representatives are voted for by the millions of members it represents said: "As a member-owned business with a presence in every community across the UK, the Co-op is continuing to create value for millions of members and thousands of local causes.

"By becoming a Co-op member not only are you receiving great personal rewards and benefits, you are directly helping to support vital community groups in your area."

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op said: "Thanks to our members since 2016 more than £56 million has been raised for over 16,000 causes that make a real difference in their local communities.

"Whether it is by protecting and improving community spaces, helping people reach their full potential by developing their skills, or promoting health and wellbeing, the money generated by our Local Community Fund changes lives in communities across the UK."

For more information on Co-op membership, visit your local Co-op branch or head to https://www.coop.co.uk/membership