CLAPHAM'S Cave Rescue Organisation is among 27 groups in Craven to share a £45,000 boost from the Co-op.

They have benefitted from the business group's new membership scheme in which one per cent of money spent by shoppers on some Co-op branded products and services has been given to communities, as well as the proceeds of the carrier bag charge in England, Co-op chiefs say.

Across the country community 'good causes' have shared a pot of £9 million.

The Cave Rescue Organisation, which covers the 'Three Peaks' area of the Dales, will buy a new specialist lightweight rescue stretcher with the cash.

CRO member Peter Maxwell said: "We’re really grateful to shoppers at the Co-op and the membership scheme for the funds raised."

The Co-op, founded in Rochdale in 1844 as a social enterprise group, currently has about 4.3 million active members, including 750,000 recruited since the new scheme began in September last year.

Its chief membership officer Rufus Olins said: “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.”