GENEROUS Co-op shoppers have given a Christmas present to a charity which protects vulnerable young people in Ipswich.

GENEROUS Co-op shoppers have given a Christmas present to a charity which protects vulnerable young people in Ipswich.

Instead of banking their dividend, scores of customers opted to divert it to The Somebody's Daughter appeal.

The charity has its own dividend number - 977 - which can be chosen at the tills as the beneficiary.

In total, the customers' donation to the Evening Star-led appeal was a stunning £2,478.

East of England Co-op chief executive Richard Samson was on hand to present the cheque to Somebody's Daughter trustees Liz Harsant, Chris Mole and Nigel Pickover.

Mr Samson said: "I am delighted that so many of our Co-op members chose to support Somebody's Daughter as a worthy good cause by diverting their dividend to our special appeal.

"We are also selling pin badges in selected stores to give additional support to the Somebody's Daughter Memorial Fund and congratulate the Evening Star and the fund's trustees on continuing to raise the profile of this initiative."

Borough council leader Mrs Harsant added: “I was really touched by the fact that people had given to this particular charity.

“This is an example of Ipswich people yet again showing their generosity.

“I feel quite humble that the public have been so prepared to give to Somebody's Daughter, particularly in these hard times.”

Are you raising money for a worthy cause? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

To buy a Somebody's Daughter pin badge contact Josh Warwick on 01473 324840 or e-mail josh.warwick@eveningstar.co.uk