MEMBER Pioneers are part of the staff team at many Co-op stores and have a crucial part to play as they liaise and co-operate with local communities to identify what could really make a difference in local well-being.

They bring together Co-op members, colleagues and local causes to make their community a better place in which to work, play, live and learn.

In Thurrock one of the most active pioneer members is Claire Mason, who works three days a week at the Co-op's Socketts Heath store on Lodge Lane.

Claire has been extremely active in supporting the current three good causes which benefit from the Co-op's community charity scheme and is a focal point linking the store with West Thurrock Girl Guides, Thurrock Play Network and the Friends of Treetops School. Each transaction by Co-op members means a small donation goes to the charities - which have been nominated by customers.

Claire is the sort of person happy to go the extra mile and recently supported another of the Co-op's good causes MIND, by baking cakes to be sold in the store.

She said: "A big thanks to everyone for supporting this event where a total of £174.22 was raised for MIND - the Co-op's national charity for 2020."

And Claire explained why she loves her community role, saying: "It's really rewarding to be able to help so many people while you are doing your job and our regular customers are really great and get behind us."

Thurrock Nub News is looking forward to working with Claire to support and promote all the Co-op's good causes.