CHARITY Farnham ASSIST is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 raised from carrier bag sales awarded to community projects.

ASSIST, which aims to reduce loneliness among older people in Farnham, has been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to seven local Tesco stores to vote for their favourite to take away the top grant.

These include the Upper Hale and Ridgway Tesco Express stores as well as the Aldershot Superstore.

Farnham ASSIST will put the money towards a special Christmas lunch for all its clients during December. This is a festive celebration for anyone over 60 living on their own in Farnham and the surrounding villages, with the aim of preventing loneliness and isolation.

Being lonely can rapidly reduce health and life expectancy and is a sad existence. This becomes more profound over a busy period when so many people are celebrating with friends and family.

Voting is open in all Tesco stores in July and August using tokens given to customers each time they shop.