YOUNGSTERS across mid Essex have been given a back to school boost after a supermarket handed out £63,000.

Co-op’s community fund was launched back in 2016 and has seem more than £3 million handed over to schools, colleges and other groups.

The Witham Boys Brigade Restoration project, The Big Sing Soul, and Colne Valley Air Cadet Wind Tunnel Project have all received a share of £63,000 handed out to groups in Essex.

The money is generated by Co-op customers buying own-brand products, with a percentage of the cost going to good causes.

Rebecca Birkbeck, from Co-op, said: “Support for young people and learning is an integral part of the Co-op’s ethos, whether it is through the local community fund, our apprentice programme or our support for academies.

“Along with our members, we strongly believe that by backing young people we are not only equipping them for the future, but also helping to make their communities a better, happier, and healthier place for everyone.”