MORE than 500,000 young people and their families are to have their shopping bill cut by 10 per cent under a new deal between a charity and a food store chain.

The Co-operative Food has agreed that holders of the free Young Scot Card will be entitled to the discount on their shopping.

Young Scot cardholders, aged 11 to 25, will qualify when they shop at any of the Co-operative Group's 400 stores across Scotland.

It is the first time Young Scot, the national youth information and citizenship charity, has linked up with a food retailer to offer discounted shopping.

The Co-op said the discount was intended for the Young Scot card holder, but that provided the card holder was present during the transaction, such as on a family shopping trip, it would still apply, subject to some exceptions such as alcohol and tobacco.

It will provide more than 570,000 Young Scot cardholders with the discount on food, household products, newspapers and magazines.

Young Scot said its research showed one-fifth of young people highlighted life expenses, such as food shopping, as a top priority.

John McNeill, regional stores director for The Co-operative Food in Scotland, said: "Young people are facing increasing financial pressures, and by working with Young Scot to develop this initiative we've found a way to help them make their money go further while being able to shop conveniently."

Young Scot chief executive Louise Macdonald said: "Our research shows that lunch items such as sandwiches and fruit are the most readily purchased products by young adults, with price being one of the top motivating factors when food shopping. We are delighted to be working with The Co-operative Food to support this demand from young people and give them greater opportunities to buy healthy, ethical, and locally sourced food, while saving them money."

The discount is now in operation and will also available from Monday November 17 in Scotmid Co-operative food stores.