MEMBERS of the Co-operative in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne are set to bag a share of a £390,000 payout under a new share of profits scheme.

The scheme rewards members for their custom with payouts twice a year with the top payment in the area reported to be £305.

Local groups will also be benefiting, with around £19,000 going to causes and charities through the group's Community Fund.

The membership scheme offers members a share of profits based on the products and services they buy from the group from food to insurance.

This time, for every 100 points a member earns, they will receive £1.43 from the group.

Andrew North, group secretary for the area, said: "Last year was a good one for the group as a whole and, following the launch of our new membership scheme, for the first time members can reap the rewards of our success across our diverse family of businesses.

"I am delighted too that as well as members gaining from the profit share, it will make a real difference to good causes serving our local communities."