VOTING is underway as Wirral's coastal community projects bid for their share of Tesco funding.

The borough's Tesco stores are inviting local shoppers to cast their vote for Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of Hilbre Island or RNLI for them to receive up to £4,000 from the supermarket's Bags of Help scheme.

Run in partnership with Groundwork, Bags of Help sees cash handed out to thousands of community projects every year and throughout this months, shoppers up and down the country will be casting their votes using blue tokens handed out at checkout points.

Alec Brown, Tesco’s head of community, said: “Bags of Help has already been making waves across Britain, responding to the needs of local communities and by listening to colleagues and customers, we identified an opportunity to dedicate funding to groups and charities improving and preserving our wonderful coastlines around Wirral.

“From life-saving and swimming safety projects, to sailing clubs, beach clean ups and coastal wildlife projects, we’ve seen a fantastic mix of nominations, and we encourage customers to cast their votes in store for shortlisted groups this month.”

More than 100 projects working to improve Britain's coastline will share a total of £300,000 - with £7,000 available across Wirral.

Groundwork’s National chief executive, Graham Duxbury said: “Bags of Help continues to enable local communities up and down Britain to improve their local spaces and the places that matter to them.

"We’re pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to groups enjoying, protecting and improving Britain’s coastlines.”

Anyone can nominate a project for Bags of Help, and organisations and groups looking to find out more or apply should visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp