A HAMPSHIRE school is celebrating after receiving a major cash boost.

Stockbridge Primary School has received £15,000 from The Southern Co-operative thanks to the success of the latter’s Community Support Card Scheme at its Stockbridge High Street shop.

The scheme gives customers a free swipe card and every time they use it at a participating Co-op more money goes to charity.

Emma Jefferies, headteacher, said: “This is a really significant amount for a small school which will make a difference to every child. “It has enabled us to refurbish our library and provide a kitchen for children, which is well beyond our means as budgets for small schools are squeezed nationally.”

Claire Walls, retail business manager at the Stockbridge store, added: "It has been a great privilege for our store to support the school; after visiting them just over a year ago and understanding what was needed to provide improved facilities for the children to help promote their learning, the community has really come together in helping raise a staggering £15,000 for this fantastic cause.”

The CSC scheme will once again be launched in Stockbridge in 2014 and local charities and groups are invited to apply for funding.