VOTING is under way as community projects in Cornwall vie for a share of a funding pot of almost £300,000.

Tesco is inviting shoppers to cast their votes as they choose a project to receive up to £4,000 through its Bags of Help scheme.

Shoppers will be casting their votes using blue tokens handed out at checkout points in a total of 42 seaside towns throughout June.

More than 100 projects working to improve Britain’s coastline are set to share in the funding pot, with a total of £7,000 available in each of the selected areas.

Alec Brown, Tesco’s head of community, said: “Bags of Help has already been making waves across Britain, responding to the needs of local communities and by listening to colleagues and customers, we identified an opportunity to dedicate funding to groups and charities improving and preserving our wonderful coastlines around Cornwall.

“From life-saving and swimming safety projects, to sailing clubs, beach clean ups and coastal wildlife projects, we’ve seen a fantastic mix of nominations, and we encourage customers to cast their votes in store for shortlisted groups this month.”

Shoppers can vote for one of three community projects for their donations to go to:

Falmouth/Penryn/Helston: Coverack Gig Club, Penryn Primary Academy or the RNLI.

Penzance: Jubilee Pool Penzance Ltd, the Marine Conservation Society or the RNLI.

St Ives: Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the RNLI or the St Ives Surf Life-Saving Club.

Padstow: Crantock Surf Lifesaving Club, Newquay Rowing Club or RNLI.

St Austell: Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Fowey Gallants Sailing Club or Mevagissey Gig Club.

The scheme will be running in a partnership with community charity Groundwork.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s national chief executive, said: “Bags of Help continues to enable local communities up and down Britain to improve their local spaces and the places that matter to them.

“We’re pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to groups enjoying, protecting and improving Britain’s coastlines.”

The tokens will be counted at the end of a two month period with first prize winning a grant of £4,000 for their project, second receiving £2,000 and third £1,000.