The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit has bagged £1,166 from Tesco's Bags of Help community grant scheme that ran in Cheddar.

The money will be used to encourage people to protect and enjoy the Mendip Hills by providing volunteering opportunities that improve the environment and people's health and wellbeing.

Bags of Help is run in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork, and sees grants awarded to thousands of local community projects every year from money raised by the sale of Tesco carrier bags.

Voting ran in stores in Cheddar and Weston-super-Mare throughout January and February, with customers choosing which of the three shortlisted local projects they would like to get the top award.

However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, voting was halted in stores in March in order to reduce physical touch-points for staff and customers. As a result, funding was split equally between the three causes.

The AONB Unit will use some of the funding to provide better equipment, materials and training for the AONB's team of dedicated volunteers and Young Rangers for when they are safely able to take part in activities up on the hills again.

Part of the grant will also enable groups with learning disabilities or people struggling with their mental health to experience and benefit from the natural world.

Tim Haselden, AONB project development officer, said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for us.

"We are very grateful for this funding that will help support our volunteers, while encouraging and inspiring more local people to conserve and enjoy the AONB.

"The current crisis is highlighting just how much people value open space and nature, and the role they play in supporting public health.

"When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming the public back to the AONB and providing volunteering experiences that will benefit people's physical and mental health as well as enhancing our beautiful countryside."

Alec Brown, Tesco's head of community, said: "Bags of Help contributes funds to community projects up and down the country and we've been overwhelmed by the response from customers voting in their local stores. We're looking forward to seeing more projects brought to life."

It is hoped that the project will be delivered during the 12 next months, with activities taking place when safe to do so and in line with Government guidelines.