COMMUNITY projects have been awarded thousands thanks to a supermarket initiative.

Tesco stores in Braintree and Dunmow teamed up with Groundwork to launch the second round of its Bags of Help funding initiative, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects.

Bradwell with Pattiswick Parish Council walked away with £12,000, and Dunmow Cricket Club received £8,000.

Club chairman Matt Gibson said: "Dunmow Cricket Club has been awarded one of these grants in order to make significant improvements to the perimeter fencing at its ground in St Edmunds Lane.

"This will be the largest single investment in the club for ten years and reflects the position of the club in the community."

Voting ran in stores from October 21 to November 13, with customers choosing which local project they would like to get the top award using a token given to them at the check-out in store.

The results were announced last Tuesday and the groups will use their award to bring their projects to life and transform their community.

Jessica Walker, Tesco local communications manager, said: "Bags of Help has been a fantastic success.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response of our customers and it’s been great to give people a say on how the money will be spent in their community.

"We can’t wait to see the money being used to bring these projects to life."

From December 1 customers will be able to vote for local groups all year round and funding will be awarded to groups who are seeking to use and develop outdoor spaces in ways that will benefit their local community.

Customers will get the chance to vote for three different groups each month. At the end of each month three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

To find out more visit tesco.com/bagsofhelp.