A ‘COMMUNITY celebration’ was held to mark the fund-raising union between Alresford Pigs Association and the town’s Co-op store.

The store has chosen the association as the recipient this year of the proceeds of its community support card.

The store on West Street will give a portion of the spend of shoppers who carry the card. For every £1 card-carrying shoppers spend, 3p will go to the Pigs.

In the past the recipients have included the town’s primary and secondary schools and the community centre.

The event, which included a hog roast by Soles Butchers and entertainment for children, was at Alresford Community Centre on Saturday. Among the attractions was a man-sized pink furry pig with David Dilley, deputy manager at the Co-op inside.

An estimated 150 people dropped in over the afternoon.

Derek Hawkins, store manager at Alresford Co-operative, said: "We are really delighted that the Alresford Pigs have been chosen to benefit from our scheme this time around. They were nominated as it is felt they, themselves, provide such a great deal of support to many other worthy causes in the area. The target this year is to raise £15,000, and to date almost £1,200 has already been raised, which shows the popularity of the Association."

Alresford Pigs chairman Andrew Thorne said: "We are proud to have been selected by the Co-op this year to receive funds from their community card, and can assure all Co-op customers that we will put the contributions to excellent use in the community."