WOTTON in Bloom is bidding to bag a cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help fundraising scheme.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the fundraiser, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag charge – being awarded to local community projects.

Wotton in Bloom is one of three groups in the Wotton and Cam Tesco stores to have been shortlisted to receive the cash award with shoppers invited to head along and vote.

Now in its eighth successive season, Wotton in Bloom raises money from the town’s traders along with sponsorship and donations from the public to adorn the streets with hanging baskets and troughs.

Sue Hunt, Wotton in Bloom committee chairman, said: “This is another way that the generous people of Wotton and Cam can support the project – and all while doing their shopping.

"If they can help us to win one of the grants then we will be able to make the baskets bigger and better than ever.

"We are heading for a record number this year. I am really looking forward to it.”

Voting is open at the Tesco stores in both Wotton and Cam near Dursley throughout May and June.

Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £28.5 million to more than 4,000 projects up and down the UK.

Lindsey Crompton, head of community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for May and June.

"There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities.

Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp