SHOPPERS at Co-op in Worcestershire are in for a cracking Christmas thanks to a bumper £230,000 pay-out for loyalty cardholders.

And community projects in the county are also set to benefit from £7,000.

The top cash handout of £230 went to a Pershore customer, while many shoppers have accrued more than £50 since the last pay-out in May.

Generous Co-op customers are also donating the money to good causes through the scheme, and groups are asked to apply for a share of the cash by picking up a special leaflet in any Co-op store.

In total, £1.75m will be shared by Co-op Dividend cardholders in the UK this Christmas.

"Unlike some other loyalty cards, Dividend pays out in cash so the timing will help our customers with their Christmas expenses," said Mark Roberts, chief officer of the Co-operative group for the area.

"In the best traditions of the Co-op, the Dividend scheme also incorporates a community element and thanks to the generosity of our customers, deserving causeswill be doing extremely well."

The Dividend is paid in full pounds and customers can opt to rollover spare pennies into the next pay-out or pay it into the Co-op Community Dividend scheme to help community groups and charities.

Cardholders earn cash back on all purchases, with 3p in the £1 on Co-op brand goods and fresh foods and 1p in the £1 on all other groceries.