The Lincolnshire Co-op has teamed up with local producers in a fundraising drive for the Royal British Legion and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Money for both armed forces charities will be raised in a variety of ways throughout the summer, including food fairs, proceeds from the carrier bag levy and dividend card donations.

A number of the society’s local producers are also launching specially-created forces-themed goods in support of the drive. For each sale of these products 10p will also be donated through the scheme.

The products are:

• Red Leicester Bastion in the Air cheese, made by the Grinstead family at Lymn Bank Farm near Skegness.

• Bastion Pale Ale, brewed by Ferry Ales Brewery in Fiskerton.

• Dambusters Beer Chutney, made by Jenny’s Jams of Lincoln.

• Cupcakes produced by Lincolnshire Co-op’s bakery Gadsby’s during the summer.

The money will help the charities care for forces families, serving personnel and veterans who need help with a range of issues including funeral costs, debt, housing, mobility problems and medical care.

Shoppers will also be given the chance to win a trip on the Tornado Steam Locomotive from Lincoln to London and take part in a paper airplane competition and other in-store games during Armed Forces Day on Saturday 30 June - all in return for a small donation.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s community co-ordinator Ryan Hodson said: “In Lincolnshire, the community around us is closely linked with the armed forces and the charities we’re supporting do an important job caring for the health and wellbeing of service people past and present.

“We hope that by holding these activities, events and fundraising in our outlets together we can recognise the work they do and raise funds to help them continue it.”

Regional director for the RAF Benevolent Fund Mark Quinn added: “We are delighted that in this seminal year Lincolnshire Co-op have chosen to raise funds for the RAF family. We are extremely grateful to all involved for choosing to support the charity.

“It is support like this which means the Fund has been able to stand side by side with the RAF for almost 100 years, offering financial, emotional and practical assistance when current and ex-service people need it most.”