Donations through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity have hit the £7m mark since its formation in 2008.

More than £94,000 was donated through MADL in May alone, taking the total number of donations to almost 9,000.

Kate Carroll, Making a Difference Locally’s Head of Charity, said: “We are thrilled to have reached the £7m mark and delighted that Nisa retailers and their customers have helped to support thousands of causes within their local communities over the last 9 years through the charity.

“With record engagement with the charity in 2016 and over 500 MADL fundraising tins distributed to members over the last couple of months, we hope to be able to make a difference for even more charities and community causes in the future.”

Featherstone Lions ARLFC, who coach budding young rugby players, was a recent recipient of £1,800 from their local Nisa store in Featherstone, West Yorkshire.

Cllr Richard Taylor, Featherstone Lions chairman and local town councillor, said: “It’s great to see local businesses succeeding in the town during these challenging times, especially when they are willing to give something back to the community. That’s what community is all about - everyone supporting each other!”

There are currently over 2,300 stores participating in the Making a Difference Locally initiative.