Downloading the new Co-op Membership app will not only help shoppers in the Macclesfield area make great savings – it will also give a boost to local causes in and around the town.

More than one million Co-op Members have now downloaded the app, which gives them extra value with in-store promotions and personalised special offers.

And all the while that Members are enjoying the great benefits of the app, including 2p in every pound returned to their personal Membership rewards balance when they buy own-brand groceries, local causes are also benefiting.

That's because the Co-op also donates 2p in every pound spent on own-brand products to local grassroots projects. Since 2016, Co-op have donated over £70 million to 21,000 local causes.

Shoppers at Co-op stores in Macclesfield who download the app will be contributing to great local causes in the community.

One local cause that has felt the benefit of Co-op's Local Community Fund is the TS Ardent Bollington and Macclesfield Sea Cadets.

The Sea Cadets provide young people a chance to participate in various different activities which aim to help them build character and confidence as well as other valuable practical skills.

Lt. Karen Black, the Commanding Officer of the local sea cadets, said the money raised from Co-op Members will go towards building a dedicated base for the group, who currently rely on a local school hall for their meetings.

The money that Co-op donates funds the vital work of local causes in creating healthier and happier communities and helping those most in need, with a focus on access to food and mental wellbeing.

Members can also access recipe suggestions, and choose the local causes that they want to support through the app. The app also includes a new scannable digital Membership card, enabling Members to swipe their card in a contactless way.

And if that's not good news enough, you might like to know that around 250,000 Members bagged a free Co-op Irresistible 100g Fairtrade chocolate bar during launch week. Scalini Prosecco 75cl was also offered at a special Member price of just £5 during the week.

Greg Hutchison, Director of Membership & Personalisation, Co-op, said: "Co-op is committed to creating value for our Members and communities, and with the refresh of our Membership programme and launch of our digital app we are now able to do even more of this.

"We're delighted to be able to reward our Members for their loyalty and to double the amount we give to local causes to support the vital work they carry out in communities during this unprecedented and challenging time."

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available at the website here .