Community projects in West Cumbria can get a cash boost thanks to a supermarket initiative.

Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork to launch a Bags of Help scheme, with grants of up to £4,000 to be awarded to local community projects using money raised from the 5p carrier bag levy.

The project has already delivered more than £28.5 million to more than 4,000 projects across the country and the supermarket is calling on community groups in West

Three groups in each area will be awarded grants every other month and Tesco customers will have the chance to vote with a token given to them at the checkout every time they shop.

Lindsey Crompton, community head at Tesco, said: “The money raised from our customers buying bags is making a big difference to local communities across the country.

"Thanks to Bags of Help, millions has been invested so far on local projects like parks, sports facilities, school playgrounds and community gardens – projects that have all been chosen by our customers.”

Graham Duxbury, chief executive officer at Groundwork, said: “It’s great to see the positive difference that Bags of Help is making to communities across the UK and we are delighted to be involved in supporting thousands of local people to make their mark in their community.

"The scale and variety of activities supported by Bags of Help shows what can be achieved when communities are given the support and the encouragement they need to make change happen in their local area.”

Community groups and charities can apply or Tesco customers and colleagues can nominate projects they think deserve funding.

For more information, visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp