A school parent-teacher association is celebrating after being selected to receive a £5,000 donation.

Friends of Abbey Farm PTA was chosen by a Tesco customer as part of Tesco's Stronger Starts scheme.

This came after Tesco customers at the Freshbrook Express were given the chance to take part in a lucky dip to find a specially created gold version of Tesco's blue voting token.

Friends of Abbey Farm PTA was one of three charities that customers could vote for to receive the £5,000 Golden Grant.

Emma Lindsay, headteacher at Friends of Abbey Farm PTA, said: "The school is two years old and needs shade for the outdoor spaces to allow the children to play outside in all weather.

"It was not built with shading or playground equipment, so as a PTA we want to establish these outside areas as our priority.

"We recognise the current limitations in our equipment for a playground that embraces inclusivity.

"Children of all abilities deserve an environment where they can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.

"Our vision is to create an inclusive space that fosters teamwork, friendship, and a love for physical activity.

"The school is becoming a central hub to the whole estate, which has no other community facilities.

"It provides holiday clubs for the local children via a HAF club run by the local LA.

"Different organisations, including lettings, use the school regularly, so the lack of shade is something that is impacting not only the school community but also others who wish to use the school out of hours such as the football club.

"This project is aimed at impacting a wide range of stakeholders, not just the core children within the school."

More than 100 Tesco stores across the country took part in the Golden Grants event, with £500,000 in total being donated to good causes that help children and young people.

Golden Grants are awarded twice a year as part of Tesco’s £8million Stronger Starts grant programme, in partnership with the charity Groundwork UK.

Claire De Silva, Tesco head of communities, said: "We know that £5,000 can make a huge difference to a school or community project, so we are incredibly proud to have been able to award Golden Grants to over one hundred schools and local projects to support the vital work they do for our children and communities."

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