THURROCK Nub News launched a partnership with the Co-op this year and we have been delighted to highlight the great work they do throughout the local and wider community.

And the Co-op message continues to spread.

More than one million Co-op Members have now downloaded the retailer's Membership app which unlocks extra value and personalised offers for Members as part of its refreshed Membership programme.

Being a Member also engages shoppers with the local community.

For example, at Grays' Socketts Heath store, there are three local causes which Members can choose to support.

Among this year's local causes is Girlguiding West Thurrock. The Guides' district commissioner, Chris Skinner, commented: "It's really lovely that we have such support locally. All the money we receive will be put to good use and will help young Guides in our local community."

Co-op has around 4.6 million active Members, who see 2p for every pound spent on own-brand groceries returned to their personal Membership rewards balance, alongside personalised weekly offers on the app and Member-only in-store promotions.

The Co-op also donates the same amount (2p in every pound spent on Co-op own-brand groceries) to local grassroot projects – this amount has doubled, and supports the vital work of local causes to create healthier and happier communities and to help those most in need, with a focus on access to food and mental wellbeing.

Exclusive personalised and tailored offers made available through the app have already seen around 250,000 Members bag a free Co-op Irresistible 100g Fairtrade chocolate bar during launch week, and seen Scalini Prosecco 75cl offered at a special Member price of just £5.

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

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."

Since 2016, Co-op has donated over £70 million to 21,000 local causes, and the recent programme refresh has seen the amount Co-op donates to local causes double.

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available by clicking here.