A LOWER Gornal primary school is bidding to bag a big cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Straits Primary School is in the running for a grant through Tesco and Groundwork's community funding scheme which sees grants – raised from the 5p bag levy – awarded to community projects.

The school is among three organisations shortlisted to receive a cash award of £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000 - and it is now hoping to secure as many votes as possible to qualify for the top grant.

Headteacher Len Hazlehurst said: “We are thrilled to have been given this opportunity to secure these funds.

"Even the £1,000 will make a massive difference in todays climate of budget reductions.

"We hope all customers, school and community members will get behind us to help us achieve our goals in creating vibrant and fun spaces for active outdoor education.”

The money will be spent on improvements to the playgrounds to create new outdoor spaces to encourage healthy active lifestyles and outdoor learning opportunities.

Voting is open in Tesco stores including Dudley Castlegate, Highland Road, Kingswinford Express and Pensnett Express throughout May and June.

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

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, added: "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 groups and charities looking to fund projects that benefit communities.

To find out more go to www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp