Customers at The Pinehurst Credit Union will be able to pay over the counter, thanks to a donation from the Co-op.

The Pinehurst Credit Union received a cheque for £750 yesterday to furnish the service with a new counter and extra stationery.

Phil Pike, manager at the Co-op in Cricklade Road, offered the money after receiving a letter from Pat Randell, chairwoman of the Pinehurst Credit Union.

The Credit Union is a community bank that offers saving and loans facilities to anyone, regardless of status.

Pat Randell said: "It's brilliant that the Co-op responded to our letter and have contributed to this worthy cause."

She said that the current financial climate where people are borrowing more made their service very important.

"In future we hope to expand and take our services to Moredon and Gorse Hill," she added.