Members of staff at the Co-op in Ross-on-Wye handed a £250 cheque to The Community Panto group on Monday, January 14th. The money given to the local group came from a community fund that the Co-op use to help local groups and organisations in the community. The Co-op local community fund gives money to local organisations to fund projects that help to bring people together and make a difference. It was raised in the store and came from the sales of carrier bags and customers swiping their membership cards instore.

The funds will help two charities, Strong Young Minds and Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP) charity.

Strong Young Minds is a Big Lottery funded project designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Herefordshire.

SHYPP provides 16 to 25 year olds across Herefordshire with housing, training and employment opportunities. They also provide a range of accommodation suitable for young people at different stages of their lives.

The Pantomime production has a twist, and will be expressing the issues that young people face and the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing.