SAINSBURY’S Local Charity of the Year scheme is back for the ninth year and the Springfield store is calling for charity nominations.

At the end of May, the store will shortlist three charities and customers are asked to vote for one. 

The winning charity will then receive a year of support from the store, which includes fundraising and raising awareness.

Customers can vote between June 12 until June 25 in store and online.

The Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme has raised over £13 million and has helped thousands of charities across the UK since its launch in 2009.

Nick Wynne, Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Springfield said: “There are so many fantastic charities in the local area which do brilliant work in our community.

"We’ve had a great year working in partnerships with Columbus School and College and we’re excited to be offering a new charity the chance to receive support from our customers and colleagues.”

The scheme is open to any UK registered charity, so anyone who works for a charity, or would like to encourage a local charity to apply can collect a form from the store.

Nominations close on May 28 and the shortlisted charities will be announced in June.

For more information about Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme, visit www.sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk/.