THG has been shortlisted as regional finalists to go forward to a public vote in Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative. The gallery stands to win a grant of £12,000, £10,000 or £8,000 for their community garden.

Voting is open in Tesco stores in Axminster, Honiton and Seaton from 31st October to 13th November 2016. Customers will be able to cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. The project with the highest number of votes across the region will receive £12,000, the second placed project £10,000 and the third placed project £8,000.

Bags of Help will see money raised by customers through Tesco’s  5p bag charge go directly back into the local community.  Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork on its Bags of Help initiative in hundreds of regions across England and Wales. The scheme will see three community groups and projects in each of these regions awarded grants.

The bag charge has already raised millions for good causes across England and Wales.

Lindsey Crompton, Head of Community at Tesco, said:.

“There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life with Bags of Help grants.”

Groundwork’s national Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said:

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote in early October and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”

Emma Molony, THG Project Co-ordinator said,

“Please vote for us! We really want  to expand our  community garden for more local people to enjoy. Help us add  more  seating and fund local primary schools to create  a mosaic table for everyone to use.

With £10,000, we could also create a sensory pathway using musical instruments in workshops with  Honiton community groups. This would really make a difference to our visitors with visual impairments and those living with Dementia.

£12,000 would give us much needed tools for our garden volunteers and new plants for our dyeing and printmaking workshops for all the community.

Vote for THG and help to bring our community garden to life!”