Tesco shoppers in Sidmouth can help support local schools and young people's projects by voting with a blue token they'll receive at the checkout.

Under its 'Stronger Starts' initiative the supermarket company will give schools and children's groups grants of up to £1,500 to provide nutritious food and healthy activities. The money could pay for breakfast clubs, playground equipment, football kits or gardening classes.

Two out of the three blue token voting boxes by the checkouts in Sidmouth's Tesco shop will be dedicated to local schools, and the third will be for community projects nominated by the store’s staff. 

Schools or children’s groups in Sidmouth that could benefit from a Stronger Starts grant are also being asked to apply by visiting www.tescoplc.com/strongerstarts.

The Stronger Starts scheme, supported by UK community charity Groundwork, replaces the former Tesco Community Grants funding programme. Research by Groundwork found that 78 per cent of schools are currently having to provide food for children from their own budget.