THREE good causes close to Ilminster are celebrating after netting a combined £7,000 in funding.

Ilminster Ladies FC, the town council and Merriott Youth FC were the latest recipients of the local branch’s Bags For Help funding.

Ilminster Ladies received the most votes and Sarah Miller, treasurer and first team captain, was among representatives from the club who collected their £4,000 cheque.

She said: “Some of our coaches in the ladies’ side are doing their next level of courses and we are getting new portable goals for one of our pitches.

“It is nice that there were a couple of other good local causes and to get the most votes shows that women’s football is really up and coming.

“Our first team got promoted last year and in a hard league we have already picked up three points. Our reserves are doing really well in their league and are at the top of the table.

“Thank you to the public for their support and to Tesco Bags For Help, of course.”

Deborah Speed, the town council deputy clerk, and Ilminster mayor Val Keitch collected £2,000.

Mrs Speed said: “It is for West Crescent playground to get some new equipment.

“We will have a meeting to have a look at what we want to get and it is possible we might take some out of our reserves.

Cllr Keitch said she is delighted to see the local store supporting good causes in the area.

Cllr Keith said: “The ladies’ football team has done incredibly well and they haven’t been going that long.

“It is also good to see a neighbouring cause rewarded and one that gets young people involved in sport.”

Helena Jones, community champion for Ilminster’s Tesco store, said: “It is really good to be able to support local causes in the town.

“These grants are a lot of money that are going to make a real difference.

“Please, anyone that is interested in applying for a grant, get in touch with me at Tesco.”