WORCESTER's Co-op shoppers are in for a bumper Bank Holiday as the consumer-owned retailer was due to pay a whopping £163,000 to dividend cardholders this week.

Local community projects, meanwhile, are set to benefit from nearly £6,000 thanks to the Co-op, which has stores in St John's, Worcester, and on the Ombersley Road, in Barbourne, Worcester.

"The top payment is a cracking £167 to a customer of the Pershore store," said a spokeswoman.

"While many shoppers have accrued more than £50 since the last payout in December."

She said Worcester's generous Co-op customers were also donating nearly £6,000 to local charities and community projects through the Community Dividend scheme.

Groups are urged to apply for a share of the Community Dividend scheme by picking up a leaflet in store.