A SPORT and leisure charity is in the running to receive a grant from a community funding scheme, in the hope of opening a mini golf course.

Richmondshire Leisure Trust (RLT) has been shortlisted to receive a grant from Tesco and Groundwork.

Cash prizes raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco will be awarded to local projects with customers voting for the winning scheme.

RLT, which runs Richmond Swimming Pool, Liberty Gym and Colburn Leisure Centre, also took over the running of South Park Café in Darlington in July last year.

The charity wants to build a crazy golf course next to the cafe, as well as to open for extended hours during the summer, giving customers an even better experience.

Austin Gordon, managing director of the charity, said: “Since taking on the café we have received rave reviews about the quality of the service, food and reliability.

“The addition of the crazy golf course will mean a new high quality facility in this great park.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout January and February. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £40 million to 9,700 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for January and February. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said:

“We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.