Co-operative staff in Westbury are on their marks to start a year of fundraising for their chosen charity.

Staff at the store in Kingfisher Drive got into the spirit by dressing as cheerleaders and in running and racing gear on Friday to launch their fundraising exploits for Mencap, which is the Co-operative’s charity for 2011.

Westbury store manager Simon Bush said: “The Co-operative Group is embarking on a year-long programme of fundraising to help the charity transform the lives of thousands of young people with a learning disability, as part of its commitment to inspiring young people.

“We want to boost the confidence of young people with a learning disability so they can stand tall and hold their heads high.

“It’s the start of a busy year of fundraising, and we’ll have a lot to do before we cross the finishing line, but it will be worth it.

“I’m incredibly proud to have Mencap as our Charity of the Year.”

The Westbury store is planning to hold a family fun day in the summer and will also be organising other events at the store.

Mencap supports 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK, and their families and carers.

With the support of its members and customers, staff across the Co-operative’s businesses, including food retail, travel, funerals, pharmacy, banking, insurance and farming, will be taking part in a series of events in aid of the charity and its sister cause ENABLE Scotland.

The money raised will be used to launch projects to work with 20,000 young people with a learning disability, along with parents, carers and local communities.

To find out more about the work of Mencap, visit their website at www.mencap.

org.uk.