Almost £10,000 was raised by Llanidloes shoppers for local causes during the coronavirus lockdown.

The money has come from the Co-op Local Community Fund, which has handed out more than £9,660 in funding to three community projects in Llanidloes.

Deborah Peck from St Idloes Friday Club and Youth Club expressed her excitement at receiving £3,059.99 towards the project.

She said: “Such a fantastic amount of money. We are so pleased and it will help our young people, children and families so much.

“We are immensely grateful to the people of Llanidloes and area too for supporting us via their purchases at Co-op. I am truly overwhelmed and very grateful, I can’t wait to share the news with our young people.”

Llanidloes Community Centre received one of the biggest slices of cash with £3,532.99 raised by Co-op members.

Gareth Jones, director of Llanidloes Community Centre, wrote a special thank you to the Llangurig Road store staff.

Mr Jones said: “They have been our lifeline over the last twelve months – being the only major store in town – and their work has been greatly appreciated.

“I feel really sorry for the staff who have to be faced with such disrespect. The NHS is getting most of the attention – deservedly – but the food and retail sector also deserves special praise.”

Another local project to get funding included Tenovus ‘Sing with Us’ Choir members who received £3,067.11.

Zoe Brandon, Co-op Member Pioneer for Llanidloes, said: “Celebration Weekend wasn’t at all the same without the face to face interactions. No big cheques to sign, photos, or big cheers in store. However, behind the scenes, there were big smiles and of course big funds were received.

“It was just wonderful to see everyone working together whilst being apart – determined to keep each other motivated in our new way of life.

“Our local causes put in so much energy. Each one a community in its own right within the community of Llanidloes and often overcoming many challenges along the way, often technical.”