A £18,000 funding boost from the Co-op has helped eight community groups in Diss.

When a Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare, they receive a 5pc reward for themselves - with a further 1pc going to local good causes.

All those 1pc rewards, plus the proceeds of the carrier bag charge in England, has resulted in the £18,000 pay out in Diss.

Good causes set to benefit include The Lizard Charity and Home Start Breckland and South Norfolk.

Chief membership officer at the Co-op, Rufus Olins, said: 'The Co-op has always been community-focused.

'By listening to our members, we are able to identify what communities care most about and then offer support that really makes a difference - and by working with and supporting local good causes great things are happening.'