THREE local charities have shared a £1,000 donation from the Waitrose supermarket.

Through the store’s Community Matters scheme, customers nominate three local good causes each month to benefit from a share of £1,000 available.

The latest handouts benefited the Shaldon-based Helen Foundation, which helps Teignbridge youngsters making their way in the arts world; AIMS, which brings families of children with special needs together to provide support and friendship, arranging activity sessions every Saturday in Dawlish, and Daisi, a Devon-wide group that creates and promotes inspiring artistic and cultural experiences for young people through professionally-led workshops and community events.

Representatives attended a cheque presentation and to thank Waitrose personally. Speaking on behalf of the three charities, Roger Kirk, chairman of The Helen Foundation, said: ‘We are all hugely grateful to Waitrose for this terrific community support scheme, and also thank its customers for nominating the charities, then supporting them by generously donating their “green money” tokens.

‘All three charities will ensure the donations from Waitrose are put to really good use.’