An East Lancs charity has been shortlisted to receive a cash boost as part of a funding scheme that helps to keep community projects running.

Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive the cash award from the Tesco Community Grants initiative, and Accrington-based charity Maundy Relief is one of the groups on the shortlist.

Maundy Relief has been responding to those in need in Hyndburn for the last 25 years with a range of food, accommodation, health, and benefits advice services.

Tesco are working 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.

Shoppers can vote in Tesco stores for who they think should take away the top grant.

Beccy Murrell, operations manager at Maundy Relief, said: “It is incredibly difficult for many families and individuals in Hyndburn this winter.

“The escalating cost of living crisis means many are struggling to afford food and pay bills and we are seeing many people accessing our services for the first time.

“To help us respond effectively to this high demand, we really encourage local people to vote for Maundy Relief with their blue tokens at Tesco so we can use the funding to help those in need.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores in January, February and March, and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out every time they shop.

Every three months, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

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, Grahm 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.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life.