A SUPPORTED housing charity in Newton Aycliffe is calling on shoppers to back a bid to overhaul the gardens of vulnerable people.

ROCSOLID, which gives life-enhancing support to dozens of vulnerable people, is one of the current Tesco Bags of Help charities which people using their Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and Bishop Auckland stores can support.

The organisation is hoping to secure funds through the supermarket scheme to revamp the gardens which belong to some of their 45 units.

Mandy Shaw, service manager, said: “We want to use our grant to renovate the gardens of the houses in the local community to make them low maintenance and improve how they look.

“The work will definitely help improve the environment.”

ROCSOLID applied to be included in the Tesco store charity programme, where customers are given tokens and can choose ffrom three charities advertised on the Bagd of Help units in store.

The charity which gets the most token votes by the end of the two month period, which in this case runs through January and February, will receive a grant of up to £4,000, the second will receive up to £2,000 and the third, up to £1,000.

ROCSOLID has requested £3,402 for gravel, fencing, gates and decking.

Dot Butler, co-founder, said: “We would tailor what we can, depending on what we get. We have so many households that are so stretched. We are so grateful for any help.”

Since launching in 2007, the charity has helped more than 300 people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or have vulnerabilities.

These can include being care leavers, having learning difficulties and being young and pregnant.

It gives 24/7 support in Hope House, in Newton Aycliffe, and offers supported accommodation in houses throughout the town.