The Co-operative Village is a collection of The Co-operative Group’s businesses which are touring at five UK wide events including Manchester Day Parade and Thames Festival throughout the summer.

Colleagues from The Co-operative Food, Farms. Electrical, Pharmacy, Banking, Legal services and Funeralcare will congregate for the family-based events where the magazine will be handed out to visitors.

River has outsourced printing to Suffolk-based Ancient House, who will produce between 40,000 and 50,000 copies of the 32-page A5 magazine. It will be printed web offset on 115gsm silk FSC-accredited paper with self cover.

River production director Nigel Mackay said: "We have used Ancient House for a number of different products and they always do a good job."

It is the first time that a magazine has been produced to accompany The Co-operative Village, which was previously supplemented by a small brochure.

River currently publishes The Co-operative Membership, The Co-operative Food, Sailaway, Traveller, and a number of other magazines associated with The Co-operative Group.

Selina Murray, spokesperson for The Co-operative said: "River was a natural choice when looking for a publisher for The Village magazine. They really understand what The Co-operative is about and will do a great job at translating it for new and existing customers."

River CEO Dr Nicola Murphy said: "We have a deep understanding of The Co-operative business and its structure and know how to communicate with their various customer groups. We are delighted to be supporting it in the publication of their magazine."