SCHOOLS and community projects in Bolton could be given hundreds of pounds in cash as part of a new give- away scheme by a supermar- ket.

Asda is asking people to nomi- nate groups and schools that could benefit from a £200 boost — and the supermarket will give the money to the most deserving nominees.

Entrants for the next donation include Smithills High School, which wants to use the money to put towards the school band’s forthcoming trip to the USA.

And Canon Slade School, in Bradshaw, is hoping to win the money to pay for new kit for its cross country team before the English Schools Cross Country finals at the school later this year.

Holy Infant and St Anthony RCP School, in Mitre Street, Bolton, has already been awarded £200 towards a new computer suite, and elderly residents who attend St Paul’s Church, in Holland Street, Astley Bridge, were given cash for a cooked meal before Christmas.

The scheme, called “chosen by you, given by us” is part of Asda’s “community life” project which aims to create closer links with the community. Each store will offer £200 pots of cash every eight weeks.

Children at The Oaks primary school, in Sharples, drew pictures to celebrate the launch, which was officiated by MP David Crausby at the Astley Bridge store on Monday.

Christine Baldwin, who is in charge of the scheme at the COMMUNITY DAY Holding a replica of the Olympic torch at the launch day at Asda in Astley Bridge is Luke Charlton-Wood, aged four, a pupil at Sharples Primary School branch, has been giving talks at schools about the benefits of healthy eating and helping the environment.

She said: “It’s about making communities around Bolton a better place to live and work.

“The response has been absolutely fantastic. People have been submitting nominations and the children have really got involved.”

As part of her community role, Ms Baldwin has been helping youngsters at Sharples Primary with their allotment for the last six months.

Schools, community groups and good causes can be nominated by going into the store, in Moss Bank Way, or visiting the community life section at asda.com website.