TWO CHARITIES had good cause to go to Gobowen on Saturday as a local shop handed over cheques for thousands of pounds.

The Co-Op in The Cross in Gobowen handed over two cheques to charities which it had been fundraising for over the last 9 months.

The donations, made up of money raised from local Co-Op shoppers who have a membership card, came as part of the supermarket chain's Big Co-Op Payout weekend happening right across the country.

Each purchase made by a member, gives them five per cent back to spend on their membership card, and one per cent goes towards the Co-Op's Local Community Fund and supporting worthy charities.

This time around, the Gobowen shop was supporting Tiny Tickers charity, Hector's Greyhound Rescue and the Movement Centre based at the Orthopaedic Hospital.

Anne Rhodes, head of training at Tiny Tickers, a charity for babies born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), said that she was overjoyed with the donation from the shop and that it would allow the charity to continue its vital work.

"The Co-Op donation has allowed Tiny Tickers to fund life-saving equipment," Anne added.

"Because of this donation, we will be able to place pulse oximetry machines in more hospitals.

"There are 3,000 babies born each year with CHD and approximately 1,000 of those go home undetected so we believe that the oximetry machines are a safety net.

"These machines will literally help save babies lives."

Volunteers from Hector's Greyhound Rescue were also delighted with their donation, and brought their four-legged friends along to mark the occasion.

"This is just amazing," said volunteer Kim Byers.

"At around £10 per day for the 23 dogs we have, this money will really help.

"The donation will go towards food, toys, bedding, vet bills and vaccinations, and other things.

"It will give the dogs a lovely Christmas.

"The rescue is run by volunteers and donations like these are vital to keep running the rescue."

Brian Pritchard, store manager, was glad to be able to hand over the donations, which totalled £6176 in total between the three charities.

"It's just amazing for the locals to be able to help raise money for the causes," said Brian. "It makes such a difference to them all.

"A big thanks goes to the locals for shopping with us and allowing us to present these cheques today."

For anyone wishing to find out more about the Co-Op membership scheme and how they can help, should ask a member of staff.