THE Co-operative food store in Whitchurch has received the praise of the Town Council after showing it has all the ingredients to make a difference in the community.

In a show of appreciation to residents, businesses and organisations who helped to keep the town safe from flooding in February, a certificate was presented to Tanya Perrett, manager of The Co-operative food store, at last month’s Annual Town Assembly at the Gill Nethercott Centre.

The award was given to the food store team for responding to February’s flood alerts by donating bread, butter, crisps and sandwich fillings to keep the emergency services, armed forces and volunteer teams re-fuelled as they defended the town from the rising waters of the River Test.

Other recipients of the award included the town's Methodist Church, the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Environment and Planning, the Fire and Rescue Service, and the Royal Navy.

Tanya Perrett, manager of the Whitchurch store, said: “I was very surprised when I received the invitation from the clerk to Whitchurch Town Council to attend the ceremony.

“We never expected to receive such recognition.

“We are proud to be part of the community, it is important to us that we not only provide a consistently great shopping experience, but also embrace the town’s fantastic community spirit too, playing our part in making Whitchurch a great community to live in.”

During the past 12 months the store has raised over £2,000 for Carers Trust, to help boost support and services for young adult carers. It also provided an Easter hamper for the 12th century St Mary Church, Tufton, to support last weekend’s flower festival and raise money for essential repair work.

Staff at The Co-operative food store will also help customers learn more about how The Cooperative’s Community Fund can benefit local groups.