SUFFOLK charities and voluntary organisations in the region have benefited from a six figure payout by the East of England Co-operative Society.The Co-op gave cheques to 126 community causes, most of which are in Suffolk and Norfolk.

SUFFOLK charities and voluntary organisations in the region have benefited from a six figure payout by the East of England Co-operative Society.

The Co-op gave cheques to 126 community causes, most of which are in Suffolk and Norfolk.

In total more than £100,000 was paid out last year.

The latest donation of more than £15,000 provides organisations on the “660 list” with a donation of £120 twice-yearly.

A further £15,000 will be distributed later this year following the society's annual meeting. Larger sums go to the Leagues of Friends of our larger hospitals in Ipswich, Norwich and Gorleston.

The money has come from the society's community dividend fund, which is supported by Co-op members in the Ipswich area who choose to give their dividend to fund by quoting 660 at the till, in addition to their dividend share number.

Miriam Harrup, communications and community manager, for the East of England Co-operative Society, said: “This scheme has been running for more years than we can remember and we are delighted that it still continues to benefit so many worthy organisations.

“It's a pleasure to receive so many letters of thanks from the groups involved and to know how much they appreciate the consistency of our donations.”

The 660 number is the company's principal charity share account in the Ipswich area and more than £100,000 is raised and distributed regularly each year.

In addition to the 660 scheme, the Co-op also supports The Evening Star's Christmas appeal each year through a special number set up for people to donate their dividend through.

The East of England Co-operative Society has an annual turnover of around £400m and employs around 5,000 people. Its 200 trading outlets cover around 2,000 square miles of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

N Has your charity or organisation benefited from the Co-op's scheme? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk