Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisations can now apply for a part of £5m funding from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

The fund has backed approximately 40,000 distinctive projects across the UK since its inaugural round in 2016, collectively dispensing over £100m.

This year, the Co-op intends to sustain projects focusing on both 'people' and 'planet'. The 'people' sector includes youth development, senior citizenship connectivity, and mental well-being.

The 'planet' concerns involve combating climate change, reducing waste and resource consumption, and preserving nature.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op said: "As a co-operative, our focus is to deliver increased value for our member-owners and their communities and we know that members really care about supporting local, grassroots projects.

"Through our Local Community Fund, we’re able to support local projects and initiatives that make a real difference to people and our planet in communities across the country."