Volunteers from Aberystwyth Air Cadets were surprised when they came into Tesco Aberystwyth Superstore to man the Royal British Legion’s poppy stand, with a cheque for £1,500.

The grant came courtesy of Tesco’s Community Grant scheme, which, in partnership with Groundwork, supports registered charities and not-for-profit organisations across the country. The cheque was presented by Tesco Aberystwyth community champion Sam Rowlands and front end manager Sam Jarvis.

The Cadets had applied for funding through the scheme to raise money for new first aid equipment and a training kit including defibrillators, and after two months of in-store voting by local customers, were awarded £1,500.

Sergeant Alecia Jackson, Officer in Command of Aberystwyth Air Cadets said: “We would like to thank Tesco customers for their votes which have resulted in the funding we have received, which was particularly significant in the run-up to Remembrance Day.

“This grant will help go towards vital First Aid kits as well as First Aid training kits including a life-saving automatic external defibrillator with replacement packs, training defibrillator, and CPR training equipment for adults and children.

“It was such a treat to come in for what we thought would be a normal day of fundraising for the British Legion’s poppy appeal and be surprised with the cheque, and we’d like to thank Sam Rowlands and Sam Jarvis from Tesco Aberystwyth for making it a special day.”

Sam Rowlands said: “When the Aberystwyth Air Cadets volunteered at the British Legion’s table in our store, they didn’t know what the day ahead of them would entail, and we were so happy to be able to present this grant to them, particularly as it coincided with Remembrance Day.

“We are delighted that the Air Cadets and other volunteers have managed to help raise over £3,500 in our store for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal this year.”

Also in Tesco Aberystwyth last week, a poppy art display was on show featuring contributions from six local schools: Ysgol Syr John Rhys, Ysgol Mynach, Ysgol Gymunedol Pontrhydfendigaid, Ysgol Padarn Sant, Ysgol Rhyd-y-Pennau and Ysgol Meithrin Trefeurig.

Sam continued: “We would like to thank all the children who took part in our poppy art display.

“The store looked absolutely amazing thanks to the pupils from our local schools who dropped their artwork into the store.”

The Tesco Community Grants scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support thousands of community projects and good causes across the UK. It was previously called Tesco Bags of Help.

It is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, so eligible organisations can apply for a grant now.

To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit tescocommunitygrants.org.uk or visit the Aberystwyth superstore for more details on how you can get involved.