TWO day centres have received funds generated by the new 5p carrier bag charge.

Grove Day Centre and the October Club in Wantage both received funds from the Midcounties Co-operative.

Grove Day Centre for the elderly used the cash to help fund its summer outings which give elderly people in the community a chance to socialise and make friends, while The October Club will use the funds to support the running costs of its day centre which provides care to those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The money was generated by shoppers at The Midcounties Co-operative food stores throughout Vale of the White Horse using money generated by the 5p charge on carrier bags.

Following the introduction of the Government levy, the Co-op has donated money generated from the scheme to local good causes as part of its Regional Communities Strategy, which supports local organisations through various fundraising initiatives, as well as a colleague volunteering programme.

Darren Adams, leadership team ambassador for The Midcounties Co-operative in Vale of White Horse, said: "Grove Day Centre and The October Club are hugely important organisations here in the Vale of White Horse, and we’re pleased to support them as part of our Regional Communities Strategy.

"Supporting the elderly and vulnerable people in the community is something we’re truly passionate about, and it’s great to work with like-minded organisations that are making a real difference in Vale of the White Horse."