TESCO’S Bags of Help programme has supported a total of 20 projects in Tavistock, since it was launched in 2015 — resulting in almost £98,000 going directly to the town’s community.

Bags of Help is one of the many ways that Tesco plays its part in the communities they serve. By inviting customers to vote for the funding groups receive, Tesco put the power back with local people who know their area best, to decide where they would like the money to be spent. The scheme is funded by the sales of carrier bags in Tesco stores.

Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop using the blue token given to them at checkouts. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions are awarded funding of £1,000 to £4,000.

Alec Brown, head of community at Tesco, said: ‘It’s amazing to think Bags of Help has played a part in helping groups bring 10,000 community projects to life. The projects are making a big difference and the dedication of the groups we’ve supported is really inspirational. We’re looking forward to giving a Bags of Help boost to even more projects in the future.’

Tesco works with environmental charity Groundwork to run Bags of Help. Groundwork’s national CEO Graham Duxbury said: ‘We are delighted that Bags of Help has reached the impressive milestone of funding 10,000 projects that have helped communities up and down Great Britain.

‘Since the initiative started we have seen some amazing projects come to fruition and it’s great to know the impressive scale that the programme has on reaching communities that need extra funds to make where they live a better place to be.

‘It’s exciting to know that this positive impact can continue and we look forward to seeing even more local communities apply for grants and creating innovative projects that help local people and places.’

To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp