COLLEAGUES at Chipping Norton's Co-op store have kick started celebrations to mark 150 years of serving the local community with a visit from the town’s mayor.

Cllr Mike Tysoe visited the store to unveil a plaque to pay tribute to the 150 years of service colleagues have dedicated to the local community.

The celebration was also an opportunity to present ACE Children's Centre, based in Burford Road, with a cheque for £1,00 as the first recipients of the store's Community Choices campaign which launched in January.

The charitable giving programme sees members of the co-operative society vote for a local good cause in Chipping Norton to receive a cash injection of £1,000 every month to help make a positive impact to the area. The first lot of funds will be used to purchase outdoor play equipment for the children's centre.

As the Chipping Norton High Street store marks its anniversary, a dedicated colleague also celebrates her own milestone achievement after receiving an award for 20 years' service.

Frances Winchester, currently working as a customer service assistant, was presented with her long service award by store manager Adam Quinton.

During her time with the Society, she has been involved in a wide range of initiatives to support local organisations and charities, and has committed to volunteering and fundraising for Katherine Hospice, a cause close to her heart.

Adam Quinton, store manager at Your Local Co-op in Chipping Norton, said: “It’s a very exciting year for us and to be able to reach a milestone of 150 years is a great achievement, and we hope to serve the community for a long time to come. We’ve also been able to recognise the dedication of one of our colleagues, whose commitment to Chipping Norton has been outstanding over the years.

“It was great to welcome the mayor to help us celebrate and present the first cheque of our ‘Community Choices’ campaign, which sees our members lend a helping hand to good causes in the area, something that we’re truly passionate about.”

Helen Ruff, head teacher and head of The ACE Children’s Centre, said: “We’re proud to be the first community group to have been given £1,000 from the new Community Choices campaign. The new outdoor play equipment will enhance our play area and get our kids excited to go outside and learn all about the wonders of nature.

“We’ve had a great relationship with Your Local Co-op over the years and have recently used the store’s community area to host play sessions with local children. Having experienced the store’s commitment to the area first hand, it was great to celebrate its anniversary celebrations too.”