GWENT'S Co-op shoppers received a big 'divi' payout this Christmas.

They were among thousands throughout Wales who shared more than £750,000. The 'divi' - or dividend - has long been one of Wales' most popular shopping traditions, the payout depending on how much has been spent.

It was revived in a modern format in July as a form of supermarket loyalty card.

There is also a community element, with local projects in Wales set to benefit by £45,000.

Welsh cardholders earn 3p 'divi' for every £1 spent on Co-op brand goods, including fresh meat and produce, and 1p for all other groceries.

Shoppers in Newport received a total of £112,000, with more than £7,000 going to local causes.

The top 'divi' earners in Gwent shop at the Blaina and Pontllan-fraith Co-ops and each received £68. The biggest payout in Wales was £94 to a shopper in Machynlleth.

The scheme is the Co-op's response to the loyalty card system adopted by the other big supermarket chains, where vouchers are given in return for points accumulated on card purchases.

The Co-op says it is the only loyalty scheme of its kind which offers a cash return.

'Divi' payments are made twice a year in full pounds, with shoppers being given the option either to 'rollover' spare pennies to the next payout or donate to the community dividend coffers.

Co-op regional boss David Mockford said the 'divi' revival had proved immediately popular with Welsh shoppers, with 125,000 signing up in four weeks and another 45,000 in the intervening period.

"The timing of this bumper payout is a real help to our customers as they stock up for Christmas.

"And, thanks to their generosity, deserving local causes in Wales will receive more than £45,000 this time around."

The total paid out to Co-op cardholders throughout the UK is almost £15 million. Around £424,000 has been paid to community schemes.

There are 78 Co-op stores in Wales, 12 in Gwent. Customers can fill in leaflets available in the store to suggest which deserving causes should get the community part of the 'divi' payout. A decision is then made by the company. In this way, local good causes get the chance of a donation.

Included in the Co-op purchases eligible for a 'divi' are holidays booked with Travelcare, part of the Co-operative Group.