Charities and organisations serving the garrison towns of Tidworth and Trowbridge could share in more than £45,000 of funding this spring.

Groups supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families are being invited to take part in a dedicated round of Tesco’s community grant scheme.

The partnership with community charity Groundwork, sees funding awarded to thousands of community projects every year. This April, the supermarket is putting a special focus on armed forces in garrison towns.

Nominations for Tidworth and Trowbridge charities are being invited until March 7 and the shortlist will be revealed ahead of the store voting, which runs from April until June. Customers will cast their vote using a blue token and awards of £1,500, £1,000 and £500 will be granted.

The funding is part of the chain's support for military charities. This year it is sponsoring Armed Forces Day on 26 June. Tesco, a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, employs more former military personnel than any other business in the UK.

Head of community Claire de Silva said: “Tesco’s founder Sir Jack Cohen established the business with his First World War demob money, and supporting our armed forces has always been important to us.

“I am delighted that we have been able to create this special community grant funding round to give a boost to charities and organisations serving our garrison towns.”

Anyone can nominate a project, and organisations and groups looking to apply for the special funding round should visit tescocommunitygrants.org.uk for details.