SHOPPERS at local branches of Tesco, including Tesco Express on Ridgway Road, Farnham, have the chance to help the next generation of gardeners by voting for Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops each time they shop until Saturday, February 25.

Run by Farnham Town Council and the Farnham in Bloom Community Group, Bloomin’ Kids is one of the shortlisted projects selected by Tesco for its Bags of Help community grant scheme.

Stephen Hill, the town council’s lead member for community enhancement, said: “Children really love getting their hands dirty at our Bloomin’ Kids gardening workshops. We are planning more free workshops for April and October so funding from Tesco will help enormously.”

“Getting children gardening from a young age helps them value their environment. They love working together to create something that will flower or even become a fruit or vegetable, so please do vote for us each time you pop into Tesco so we can introduce even more children to the wonders of gardening.”

Shoppers can vote for Bloomin’ Kids at 14 local branches of Tesco. They include the superstore in Aldershot, the Tesco Express stores at Upper Hale and Ridgway Road, plus others in the surrounding area.

Tesco teamed up with the environmental charity Groundwork to launch its Bags of Help initiative across England and Wales.

The scheme sees three community groups and projects in each of around 200 Tesco regions awarded grants of £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – all raised from the 5p bag charge.

The public vote in store from the first of each month on which initiative should receive the awards.

The Bloomin’ Kids spring workshops take place over the Easter holidays on April 11 and April. Parents can find out more about what their children can expect at www.farnham.gov.uk/bloom