A DORCHESTER nature reserve is in the running for for a cash boost and needs support from the local community to help secure extra funds.

The Dorchester Riverside Reserve is one of the projects shortlisted recently as part of the Tesco Bags of Help Campaign.

This means that Tesco customers will shortly be able to vote for their favourite project in their local stores.

The Riverside Reserve is located next to the allotments alongside the Frome millstream that runs along the bottom of Dorchester.

It is managed by the Friends of the Riverside Reserve with assistance from Dorchester Town Council.

Recently, the access in the reserve has become very hazardous with several boards along the boardwalk collapsing due to the decaying timbers.

Attempts to fix the damage have not been successful as the boardwalk is degrading more quickly than it can be repaired.

As a shortlisted project, the Friends of the Riverside Reserve can already expect to receive £8,000 from Tesco.

Secretary of the Friends of the Riverside Group Tom Goss said this was great news for the nature reserve and supporters were now calling on local people to help it secure even more funds.

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of Tesco for our project; now it is up to the local people to help us to really improve the reserve by voting for us to receive £10,000 or even £12,000!

"If we get a large number of votes, we will be able to build a dipping platform and bench in the reserve.

Customers can vote for us in stores by placing voting chips in the boxes provided.”

The Dorchester Riverside is about one hectare in size and supports a variety of wildlife species as well as being a tranquil place to walk and enjoy nature.

Its value to both wildlife and people is recognised by its designation as a Local Nature Reserve.