The Co-operative has rolled out a wristband fund-raising initiative nationwide after the scheme proved a success in a dozen stores in South Wales.

To support Carers Trust, the Co-operative’s charity of the year, 3,000 wristbands bearing the charity’s logo are being sold in 12 stores in the Rhondda area of Wales.

Now the initiative has been adopted by all 3,600 Co-operative Food and Pharmacy outlets nationwide.

Garry Thompson, operations manager Wales and Borders who oversaw the initiative, said: “I was keen for all my stores to get involved in a charity drive that would make a significant difference to our overall total, and capitalising on the huge popularity of wristbands seemed a great way to make money and show support for the cause at the same time.

“I can’t quite believe how quickly things have progressed with what initially started out as a small idea.”

The white bands are printed with the charity’s logo and will be available at till points at a cost of £1, with all proceeds going to Carers Trust.

The charity will use the money raised to provide desperately-needed breaks, information, advice, support and services for 14-25-year-olds facing the challenges of caring.

Over the course of 2013 the Co-operative aims to raise £5m for the charity. To date it has raised half of that amount.