Store offers a helping hand to Chester-le-Street groups

Retailer Wilkinson is offering Chester-le-Street residents either a cash donation, some of the store’s products or help from staff volunteers to support community schemes.

The store, situated on Osbourne Road, Chester Le Street, is running a Helping Hands scheme, with application forms available from the help desk.

Store manager Debbie Stainsby said: "The Helping Hands scheme is an initiative where funding is provided to support local projects, directly benefitting the lives of people who live and work close to the store.

"As a company, it’s great to be able to help local community groups and charities by giving something back to the area, whether it’s seeds to help a community garden bloom or paint for a local animal shelter, we are able to help."

Successful applicants will be notified within three months of submission.