TESCO is inviting community groups and charities in Reading to apply for thousands of pounds’ worth of funding through the store's Bags of Help Scheme.

Anyone can also nominate groups or charities that benefit the local community.

Three groups will be awarded grant amounts of £2,000, £1,000 or £500 every three months.

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The scheme uses money raised from the sale of reusable Bags for Life in Tesco stores to fund local projects.

Customers will cast their vote for shortlisted charities using blue tokens handed out in stores to decide where the money goes.

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Keith Jackson, Bags of Help Manager at Tesco, said: “From projects to improve community spaces to groups looking for support with community events, purchasing new equipment and funding coaches, we encourage you to nominate, apply and get involved in this fantastic scheme.

“Bags of Help has provided more than £80million of funding to more than 27,000 community projects to date, and there is so much more we want to help groups to achieve.”

The scheme runs in partnership with community charity Groundwork.

Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork UK, said: “We encourage community groups to apply for Bags of Help funding to help improve places and spaces in local communities.

“We are pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to help local communities thrive.” To find out more click here.