A GROUP which encourages and educates communities in Herefordshire to grow and eat local food is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

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

Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

Growing Local is one of the groups on the shortlist. The Community Interest Company has worked with schools and community groups across the county since 2009 to raise awareness of local, seasonal food and improve health in the community. Schools or community groups visiting their purpose built educational garden at Court Farm, Tillington can take part in three different workshops.

Lou Foti, education officer for Growing Local, said: "We are thrilled to have been chosen by Tesco Bags of Help as one of their groups for this great funding opportunity.

"We very much like the idea that saving the environment through Tesco’s initiative will offer real-life, practical opportunities for the children in Hereford to grow locally and eat healthily."

Voting is open in stores 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.