Co-op has launched a recruitment drive across the South West of England.

The UK's largest co-operative business is looking for two new member representatives to have a say in the running of the group and its food stores, funeral homes, legal business and insurance arm.

Applications from members from under-represented societal groups are particularly welcome this year, including those from younger age groups, ethnic minorities, candidates with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community.

Across the UK, there are 26 vacancies on the Co-op National Members' Council, which works closely with the board and senior managers to ensure the voice of more than five million active Co-op members is heard throughout the group.

Denise Scott-McDonald, the Members' Council's president, is encouraging applications from people who want to help Co-op tackle the big issues communities are facing.

Ms Scott-McDonald said: "As a co-operative, we welcome applications from all eligible members, and I can't stress that enough. If we want to create and deliver real value for our member-owners, we need to represent as many different voices as possible in our work and our Co-op.

"Right now, there's so much to address and help out with. We know that people are keen to support however they can and being part of Co-op and the Members' Council is a fantastic way to get involved and join something bigger."

Council representatives can serve a term of between one and three years. The 100 people that make up the council come from all walks of life and include ordinary members (people who trade with Co-op's businesses), colleague members, co-opted members and members from independent co-operative societies.

To qualify to stand for election as a council representative, members need to have joined before January 2021 and have earned 500 membership points (the equivalent of spending around £10 a week on groceries in Co-op Food stores) between January 2023 and January 2024.

Applications close on February 23.