Lucky Co-op shoppers are to share in a bumper Christmas dividend payout.

Shoppers in Southend, Westcliff and Leigh will share the £24,000 windfall with customers in South Benfleet and Stanford-le-Hope sharing a further £12,000.

In total, £2.4m will be shared by dividend cardholders in the region and more will be donated to worthy causes.

David Hindle, regional chief officer, said: "The Co-op dividend scheme is an important way of rewarding our customers for their loyalty.

"Dividend pays out in cash and the timing of the bumper payout is a real help to our customers as they stock up for Christmas."

Published Wednesday December 19, 2001