IT will be a good Christmas for one Bolton shopper who has been paid £90 in dividends from the Co-op.

The Bolton shopper is one of many customers who will receive a cheque from the consumer-owned business as the total payout to members in the Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside areas will reach almost £350,000.

The store rewards members twice a year for their custom at Co-op stores, the Co-op Bank, Co-op Insurance as well as retail, pharmacy, travel and funeral outlets.

Members are also donating almost £17,000 to worthy causes through the group’s Community Fund and local organisations can apply for a share by picking up an in-store leaflet.

Overall, Co-operative Group members will share an interim dividend of £8.9 million, based on trade in the first half of 2008.