A WENSLEYDALE shop has a new member of staff who doesn’t even work at the store but out in the community.

Mum of three, Jennifer Scott has been appointed as member pioneer at Leyburn Co-op. She is employed to work in the community and help achieve the Co-op’s values: fair access to food, mental well-being and support, along with access to education and employment opportunities.

Since taking on the job Ms Scott has worked with community groups, schools, churches and the Community Centre. In December a nativity trail was set up helping to celebrate Christmas within Covid-19 restrictions.

Additionally, she has delivered well-being resources to both Wensleydale School and Leyburn Primary School.

Ms Scott said: “It has been a varied role since starting. I am looking forward to getting out and meeting groups in the local community as restrictions lift.

“I am also looking at ways to improve access to food bank resources in the area. As a store we are now linked with Open Party based in Hawes as well as continuing to support Storehouse in Richmond.”

A present project is a community virtual bake off to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight.

Jonathan Barker, manager of Leyburn Co-op, said: “Jennifer is a welcome addition to the team; her role is different in that as a community resource she doesn’t actually work in the shop.”

To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, February 22 to March 7 Leyburn Co-op has organised a virtual bake-off with three categories – under-12, 12-18, and over 18. To win a prize, bake using one or more Fairtrade products. Judging is based on appearance. Photos of the item including package of any Fairtrade ingredients can be submitted to the @fairtradewensleydale Facebook page or emailed to jennifer.scott@coop.co.uk.