COCKENZIE and Port Seton In Bloom has seen one of its projects chosen for funding by a leading supermarket chain.

The group’s ‘Seed to Plate’ initiative is in the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund.

However, the amount of money that the group receives will depend on the number of people who select it for the award.

The funding round started on October 25 and will run for 12 months until October 23, 2021.

During this time, Co-op members will be able to select the project as their cause through their online account.

The more members who select it, the more money it will receive.

Those who are not a Co-op member and would like to support the project can join in their local store or online.

The Local Community Fund supports projects across the UK. Every time a customer buys a selected Co-op branded product or shopping bag, a portion of the sale is donated to local causes. A portion is also given back to the shopper and the project of their choice.

Sheila Chambers, secretary of Cockenzie and Port Seton In Bloom, said that the group was “delighted” its Seed to Plate project had been chosen but had no idea who had put the scheme forward.

The project, which it was hoped would regenerate parts of the area, came to life though funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the local area partnership; the In Bloom group received the funding last November.

Many of the scheme’s plans had to be changed due to Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown earlier this year.

Since then, a variety of initiatives and projects have been completed, with two co-ordinators appointed to oversee proceedings with the initiative.

An outdoor garden was created at Cockenzie Primary School to grow fruit and vegetables as part of an education programme.

The food grown was distributed, along with recipe cards, to families across the local area.

In addition, families in East Lothian who received free meals and food support were given seeds and plants to grow at home.

Sunflower seeds were also given out as part of a competition.

Lately, pumpkins were grown in the garden and donated to the school, and a recipe book is due to be published, featuring ways in which people can use the produce grown in their own gardens.

It is hoped that the project can continue next year and fulfil its original plans should the appropriate funding be sourced.