MALVERN supermarket Waitrose has reached a milestone figure for its Community Matters scheme this Christmas, having donated a total of £100,000 to good causes in the Malvern area since the scheme began in 2008.

As one of over 190 Waitrose branches to achieve this total, Waitrose Great Malvern has contributed to the £28 million donated by the supermarket as a whole, supporting 84,000 causes.

Community Matters was launched in 2008m with each supermarket donating £1,000 to three good causes.

Customers vote for the share each charity receives using green tokens that the pick up at the checkouts, and they are also able to nominate causes.

Additionally, online shoppers can choose between three national charities, to which Waitrose donates a further £100,000 a year.

Local causes supported by the scheme range from homelessness charities, wildlife charities, hospices, schools, local theatre groups or regeneration projects.

Over the years, Waitrose Great Malvern has supported local causes such as Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue and Malvern Youth and Community Trust (Malvern Cube).

Over Christmas, the branch has chosen Worcester Samaritans, Malvern Hills Conservators and Friends of Malvern Community Hospital to benefit from the scheme.

Branch manager James Alldridge said: "The green token might seem like a small gesture for our customers but they’ve helped us give £100,000 to hundreds of fantastic causes in the local area.

"The Community Matters scheme is a great way for us to get involved with the community, supporting causes which are important to both our employees and our customers and we’re really pleased to have reached this milestone figure.’ Tina Varns, Waitrose manager for sustainability and responsible sourcing, said: "Community Matters has been a great success and a brilliant way for our branches to engage with their customers and the wider community to help support local smaller charities.

"In total, the scheme has donated £28 million profit to 84,000 causes which is an amazing achievement. I'd like to thank our customers for taking part and for continuing to nominate local good causes that are close to their heart.'"