AROUND £1,000 has been granted by a supermarket chain to help preserve a Swindon landmark.

Oxford, Swindon and Gloucester Co-op has presented a £1,000 community dividend grant to the New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust.

The grant was handed over as part of International Co-operative Alliance Day, when Co-ops around the world stage activities to mark the occasion.

The Trust community project involves the restoration of the derelict Mechanics' Institute for use as a new facility to be used and managed by local people.

The Co-op grant will be used to provide literature supplying interested people with information about the project.

Martha Parry, of the Trust, explained: "We are at a crucial turning point in our seven year project. We need to know what people want and they need to know the financial facts about the potential use and ownership."

The grant will help the trust to communicate with all those involved, the trustees, over 2200 supporters, 350 volunteers and the wider community.

n Earlier this week Swindon Council turned down a plea for funding for work at the Institute.