MORE than £24,000 has been handed out to community groups in Helensburgh and Lomond thanks to shoppers at a local supermarket.

Helensburgh Co-op, on Sinclair Street, presented cheques to three organisation on Saturday, November 23 as the money raised from this year's local community fund was divided up.

When Co-op members buy products at the store, one per cent of what they spend on selected items goes towards the scheme benefitting local causes.

This year, the rewards went to the Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP), £9,094.35; Fun First, £7,811.28; and BASIC and the Corner House Creche, £7,534.72.

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A grand total of around £17 million was raised through Co-op stores across the country.

Co-op Helensburgh team manager Ela Latosi-Mielcarek said: "Customers had a chance to meet the three charities and familiarise themselves with the work they do.

"That was also a chance for the local causes to say thank you to all the Co-op customers who supported them."

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A statement on the HSDP Facebook page said: "We at HSDP are very honoured and humbled upon receiving our cheque from the Big Co-op Payout.

"Thank you to the Co-op community fund and all their member customers who swiped their club card.

"Your one per cent from your weekly shopping has sure added up to an amazing amount of money which we will put to good use in getting our pier back in operation."

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest news headlines from around Helensburgh and Lomond here