A NORTHWICH charity has been selected as one of three local organisations for the Tesco Community Grants initiative.

Tesco works with community charity Groundwork to run its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects.

Transition Northwich is delighted that its project aiming to teach children all about food has been selected alongside Cheshire All Rounders and 1st Moulton Guides for the supermarket's initiative.

Voting is open in most Tesco stores in July, August and September and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out.

The Transition Northwich project 'Let's Grow' will help improve children's understanding of where their food comes from and inspire a love of growing fresh, healthy produce.

Alison Allum, the charity's co-ordinator, explained all about the project, saying: "Many children only know food from the supermarket; cleaned, packaged and ready to eat.

"However, it's a joy to watch seeds germinate, nurture seedlings and learn how and when to harvest.

"We believe this is a experience all children should have and we have the space and expertise to provide this opportunity at our community garden and orchard.

"Our sessions will take children through the process from start to finish - opening their eyes to how simple, affordable and fun growing food can be."

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme has already provided over £85 million to more than 36,000 projects across Britain.

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: "Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts."

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: "Tesco Community Grants continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive.

"By funding services which support young people and reduce food poverty, we hope to facilitate positive change from the ground up across the UK.

"We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources."

Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online: www.tesco.com/communitygrants