Shoppers at a north Norfolk supermarket have put their hands in their pockets to the tune of nearly £30,000, in a scheme aimed at fostering community links and supporting good causes.
As part of his role as 'community champion' at the Cromer branch of Morrisons, cashier Simon Clipsom has been collecting figures for donations made in-store since August of last year.
He was surprised to discover that, in addition to the £20,000-plus given to local and national charity representatives collecting in the store foyer - and the proceeds from its car park recycling bins - more than £7,500 was donated at the tills for the store's nominated charity, Save the Children.
Morrisons has also given grants totalling £950 to various local good causes, including schools, Cromer Skate Park and the town's Christmas lights, and handed out food boxes, clothes and Christmas decorations.
'Because I was the first person to take on the job of community champion, I wasn't sure how it would go,' Mr Clipsom said.
'But we have collected more than I ever could have expected and I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to all our customers who, particularly in a time of austerity, have been so incredibly generous.'
As part of his community champion role, in which he spends two mornings a week, Mr Clipsom has been arranging guided tours of Morrisons for local schools and community groups, as well as supporting breakfast clubs at Northrepps and Roughton primary schools.
The store has also made a meeting room available to local groups and has arranged for an NHS health trainer to make regular visits to the store to offer one-to-one health advice to customers.
Future plans include raising cash for an instore defibrillator and forging links with more local schools.
'Although I have done charity work before as a volunteer, I feel privileged to be paid to help people and I am looking forward to having the opportunity of doing more,' Mr Clipsom said.
To apply for a grant, or to find out more about supermarket tours, phone Simon Clipsom at Morrisons, Cromer, on 01263 515275.
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