A cash pot of thousands has been shared among local charities thanks to the Tesco bag scheme.

Kelly Riddell, Tesco community champion, and Katie Dean, Groundwork community project manager, met with local groups to review the results of the ‘Bags of Help’ scheme.

Cash collected from the 5p levy on disposable carrier bags has been distributed amongst 27 local organisations, totalling more than £50,000. One of the groups to benefit is Fenland Music Centre Association.

A spokesman for Fenland Community Orchestra said: “Charities such as ours that provide educational opportunities for the local community, commend funding schemes such as these, that put money back into the community.

“Thank you Kelly and Katie for all your hard work!”

Projects that bring benefit to their community get the green light for funding.

These range from improving community buildings and outdoor spaces to buying new equipment, training coaches or volunteers and hosting community events.

Administration of the local funding is managed by the community charity, Groundwork.