MANCHESTER-based CWS has established a Community Dividend fund to donate to deserving community causes in Greater Manchester.

CWS is inviting applications for grants of between £100 and £5,000 to co-operatives, community and voluntary groups in the area.

It particularly wants to support projects which raise awareness of co-operation as a modern, appropriate and viable alternative to the public and private sector.

Jo Bird, Membership Resources Manager, said: "Concern for the community is one of the principles on which our successful co-operative business is based.

"As the country's leading community retailer with almost 2,000 staff in the Greater Manchester area, we wanted to celebrate and promote the contribution we make to the local community."

The first grant of £500 helped to support the recent Manchester Festival with a donation to Meninos Do Morumbi, a group of samba-playing street children from Brazil.

The money contributed towards their costs while performing in the colourful city festival.

Co-op Community Dividend application forms are available from Debbie Kendal, Membership Strategy and Resources, CWS Ltd, PO Box 53, New Century House, Manchester M60 4ES.