Central England Co-op donates vehicles for training and to help those in need

One of the society’s vehicles has been given as a teaching aid on a mechanics’ course, while another is being sent to Zambia

Central England Co-operative has donated two vehicles used food deliveries to support budding mechanics and people in need across the globe.

Youngsters at Stephenson College, in Coalville, Leicestershire, have received a LGV tractor unit and the National Police Aid Convoy team, in Mansfield, received a funeral limousine from colleagues at the society’s Food Distribution Centre, in Scudamore Road, Leicester.

The college will use the LGV tractor unit as a training vehicle for students on the maintenance and repair course, allowing them to get hands-on practical experience.   

The National Police Aid Convoy team will use the limousine to give people dignified funerals in Zambia.

Robin Farrell, head of distribution and logistics at Central England, said: “As a responsible and co-operative business, we are delighted to be able to use two vehicles, which have helped us serve our customers so well over the years, to now helping others.

“It is great to know that they will be going to help people in need and to help train the mechanics of the future.

Dr Nigel Leigh, principal of Stephenson College, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to Central England Co-operative for another generous donation.

“Our students’ practical skills will benefit greatly and their improved knowledge will be advantageous to their employer’s productivity.

“Central England Co-op has again demonstrated a commitment to training the next generation of vehicle technicians and we are very proud of our association with such a forward-thinking organisation.”

Mark Walker from Stephenson College takes the keys to the truck from Central England’s Gary Tomlinson

UK National Police Aid Convoys is a volunteer-run charity that has been running for 24 years and is based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Its membership is drawn from all walks of life and it uses its influence to deliver donated items to areas of the world where need is identified through poverty, war or natural disaster.

Trustee chairman David Scott said: “The UK’s Police Aid Convoys are delighted that Central England Co-operative is keeping us supplied with these type of vehicles. This will be travelling to Zambia to bring a little dignity and respect currently absent in funerals.”

Previously, the society has donated four vehicles to the charity which were used to help people in Ghana and Zambia.