NEARLY £19K and over nine tonnes of food were donated to charities across the area by shoppers, volunteers and staff at Tesco in Stroud. 

This includes almost £900 plus 9.5 tonnes of food donated to Stroud District Foodbank plus four tonnes of food donated through Fareshare to Middle of the Hill Community group, St Joseph's out of school club, Paganhill Community group and the Marah Trust. 

Two tonnes of food was also donated through Fareshare to Olio.

In addition, over £9,000 was raised through the Poppy Appeal and Help 4 Heroes while Christmas bands, choirs and collections raised almost £4.800. 

Julie Sarahs, who is the community champion at Tesco, has also volunteered for 80 hours as part of these fundraising efforts. 

She said: "I am so pleased for all of the local charities, community groups and national charities that have benefitted from the generosity of the customers and staff of Tesco Stroud.

"If a local group would like to arrange a fundraising day, ask for a donation, get help with a grant application, ask for me to help by volunteering some time, display a car park banner or discuss the Fareshare scheme please contact me." 

E-mail - stroud.community@tesco.com