Katey White, the Society’s Membership and Community Manager, has invited charities and local community groups to submit their applications before 12 February for grants from this year's fund. She said: "Our community vision is to put our local co-operative at the heart of the community and for over 20 years the Society’s Helping Hands fund has benefited hundreds of local community groups across the islands. We are incredibly proud that our donations help these organisations to make a real difference to the vital work they do.

"It is important to recognise that many of the smaller charities and causes can get overlooked. As a community retailer, we make the Helping Hands fund as accessible as possible and especially those where a few hundred pounds can make all the difference to the work they are doing in our islands."

Applications can be submitted online. Charities and community groups can also download the form on the society's website and return it by post to: Tanya Dorrity, Community Officer, Co-operative House, 57 Don Street, St. Helier, Jersey JE2 4TR.