STUDENTS in Stirlingshire are enjoying a funding boost after Co-op members generated more than £3m for education and skills in two years.

Since the Co-op’s local community fund was launched in September 2016, a total of £3,100,000 has been shared amongst more than 3,000 schools, colleges and skills development initiatives in the UK – eight of which are in the local area.

Killin Primary School Parent Partnership and Green Routes Stirling are amongst the groups in the county that have shared £11,000 as a result of the scheme.

Co-op members, who receive a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local causes when they buy own-brand products, have a say in how the money is allocated, and are encouraged to select the organisations they wish to support online.

Rebecca Birkbeck (pictured), director of community engagement at the Co-op, said: “Support for young people and learning is an integral part of the Co-op’s ethos, whether it is through the local community fund, our apprentice programme or our support for academies. 

"Along with our members, we strongly believe that by backing young people we are not only equipping them for the future, but also helping to make their communities a better, happier, and healthier place for everyone.”