A WEYMOUTH supermarket has given welcome donations to three local charities.

Shoppers at Asda in Newstead Road have been voting for the community group they believe should get the most support from the store.

It comes as part of retailer’s Community Life campaign to support the local area.

Southill Play Park (SPARK) got the most votes and will be given £200 while Weymouth Old Town Hall and Portland Rowing Club will each receive £50.

A campaign to improve the park was started by Weymouth mums, Helen Lainsbury and Sarah Polkinghorne, who wanted to see better facilities for children in the area. The park is now part of the Southill Preservation Society and the money will be used towards the regeneration of the popular play area. Mrs Lainsbury said: “It’s been lovely to see such a positive response to our cause and we’re so grateful for all the Asda customers who have supported us. “The council were unable to help with funds so we took on the challenge of raising the funds ourselves.

“The donation from Asda will be a step in the right direction in helping to improve the area.”

Sandy West, community life champion for Asda, said: “Our Community Life initiative is about getting under the skin of the area and supporting charities, organisations and projects that matter most to the people living here.

“By allowing customers to vote for the charities they want to see receive support from our store, we’re ensuring funds are given to organisations which make a difference to the community.”

Mrs West, who is also a Weymouth and Portland Borough Councillor, added: “Shoppers obviously felt Southill Play Park was a worthy cause and in need of the funds, so it’s good to know the money is going to something the local community feels passionately about.”

The next round of voting has already begun in store and shoppers are asked to choose between the Asperger Society, Dorset Blind Association and Rodwell Pre-School over the coming months.