SHOPPERS at Neyland Co-op have put the wind in the sales of a local sailing charity, after money collected through their membership scheme brought two new volunteers on-board.

Welsh Sailing Venture is a registered charity run by volunteers, which provides sailing experiences for people with disabilities and their carers on the catamaran ‘Sea Legs’ from Neyland Yacht Haven.

Money raised from the Co-op’s local community fund helped to train two new skippers – John Hancock and Bob Lineker - who recently received their official qualifications.

Under the Co-op’s local community fund, members receive a five per cent reward for any purchases they make of own-brand products and services, with a further one per cent directly benefiting local causes.

Shoppers at the food store in Neyland have supported Welsh Sailing Venture.

Skipper and retired fireman, Sam Scadden from Welsh Sailing Venture, said: “There’s huge demand to sail with us, but at the moment we’re only able to offer 24 sailing days a year. Now that John and Bob have received their qualifications, we’re hoping to take that up to 36 days.

“Our catamaran has a user friendly layout which means that we can take people with any disability and of any age out to sea, and it’s amazing how enjoyable and relaxing sailing with us can be.

"Huge congratulations to John and Bob for receiving the RYA Day Skipper Commercial Endorsement Award and welcome on board.”

To find out more visit coop.co.uk/membership