CHRISTMAS came early for local causes across Renfrewshire as nearly £80,000 was raised at a charity weekend. 

Staff at Co-op stores across the area went the extra mile as part of a nationwide day of fundraising. 

The money will be shared between 18 organisations, all of whom are making a real difference to communities throughout the region. 

These include Recovery Across Mental Health, 7th Barrhead Rainbows, and Canine Partners.
In total, more than £77,000 was raised by staff and members of the public. 

This included the generous staff at the Bishopton branch, who joined together to support Bishopton Development Trust, Crisis, and the Bishopton Housing Association. 

This is the latest round of pay outs from the fund generated by more than 11,000 Co-op members in the county, and means overall the Co-op has invested £160,000 in 52 groups in Renfrewshire since the membership scheme launched in September 2016.

Co-op members have a say in how the money is allocated.