LEYBURN Arts and Community Centre has bagged itself a cash boost from a supermarket’s community grant scheme.

Run in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork, Tesco’s Bags of Help sees grants awarded to local community projects every year. Since launching in 2015, it has provided more than £79m to over 26,000 local worthwhile projects.

Initially shoppers voted at Tesco Catterick Garrison store with blue tokens to choose a recipient of different sums, however due to coronavirus restrictions the scheme was curtailed.

It was decided to split the money between the three competing groups, with Leyburn Arts & Community Centre awarded a total of £1,166.

Jeanie Bishop, spokesman for Leyburn Arts and Community Centre, said: “We are grateful to Tesco and Tesco customers for voting for us.

“This money will enable us to provide more events and activities for all ages within Leyburn Community Centre.

“We had considered purchasing portable table tennis tables but now we are not sure now how it will be spent as it depends on situation when we eventually re-open, once restrictions are lifted.”

Tesco’s head of community, Alec Brown said: “We are looking forward to seeing more projects brought to life.”