A SCHEME encouraging children to eat and live well needs the public's help to win a share of community grant funding.

The Cook Well Live Well clubs run from Beckers Green, Lyons Hall and John Bunyan primary schools are included on the shortlist for Tesco's bags of helps initiative.

The scheme means that community groups can bid for grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000, all raised from the 5p carrier bag charge.

Cook Well Live Well is a programme run in conjunction with Braintree Council at schools in the area.

Peter Tattersley, councillor responsible for health and communities, said: "Eating well plays an important role in maintaining good health.

"Good nutrition is important for most bodily functions, including growth, repair and digestion.

"A healthy diet has also shown to prevent a number of diseases, including heart disease, obesity and certain cancers too.

"The ‘Cook Well Live Well’ clubs, part of Braintree’s Livewell Child project, will give children the skills, knowledge and confidence to cook healthy, low cost meals from scratch.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout July and August.

Anyone can nominate a project for the bags of help scheme. Visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.