A netball club based in Axminster is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Stronger Starts initiative, with grant allocations being decided by shoppers' votes. 

The scheme sees grants of up to £1,500, £1,000 and £500 awarded to local community projects, with a particular focus on children and young people.

Three groups have been shortlisted to receive the cash award, and shoppers are invited to head to Tesco stores to vote for the one they think should get the top grant.

Axe Vale Netball Club, based at Axminster Leisure Centre, strives to bring together netball players and the wider community, support physical health and mental wellbeing, reduce barriers to sport for women and promote female role models.

Head coach Trish Warwick said: “I am proud that this netball club is able to reach such a diverse range of people from up-and-coming talented teenagers to refugees and widowed pensioners.

“Our exceptional netball community seems to find a way of bringing people together for so much more than the sport itself.”

Voting is open in the Axminster and Lyme Regis Tesco stores from early October until the middle of January 2024. 

Customers can cast their votes using a blue token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously Tesco Bags of Help and Tesco Community Grants - has provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain.