Cash bid by Hospital Radio

A community broadcasting service is bidding to bag a cash boost from a supermarket chain’s charity initiative.

Hospital Radio Perth is one of the groups on the shortlist to receive a financial award from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

The initiative distributes grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000, raised from carrier bag sales to local community projects.

Three groups in every Tesco region go onto a shortlist for a chance to receive the cash award, decided by a public vote.

Hospital Radio Perth, based at Perth Royal Infirmary, is raising funds to refresh and replace parts of its studio complex which was last refitted 15 years ago.

John Watson, chairman of Hospital Radio Perth, said: “We have now successfully refurbished the main mixing desks, but much of the ancillary equipment and the 24-hour computing system are in need of replacement.

“We anticipate that we will need to raise over £7,000 to ensure we can carry on for a further 15 years and more.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores in Perth and Scone throughout March and April.

Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

Funding is available to community groups looking to help projects which bring benefits to local people.

For more information visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.