Votes from members of the public in Wisbech have helped three local charities walk away from a building society with a generous donation.

The Wisbech branch of Norwich and Peterborough Building Society (N&P) shared £1,000 between the charities after a public vote determined how the jackpot should be split.

Mandy Gook, manager at the Wisbech branch of N&P, said: “We had a brilliant response to the campaign from our members, local shoppers and residents, but of course the real winners here are the charities- all of whom do a fantastic job of providing invaluable support in our local community.

“Because each and every vote helped secure pounds for the charities it felt right that the decision of splitting the money was put in the hands of our members and local people. I can’t thank everyone enough for coming in to our branch during the voting period to make their vote count- I’m sure the money will make a real difference locally.”

The charities that received the donations were Wisbech and District Life Saving Club with £500, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust with £300 and the Wisbech Food Bank with £200.

The donation of money was given by Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, which N&P is part of, and is funded by the Society’s innovative Small Change, Big Difference scheme.

The scheme is funded by members of the society donating the pennies from the interest they receive on their accounts, put together to create one large amount. This amount is then shared between member-nominated causes.