A pet food bank has been given a financial boost thanks to Tesco customers in Bury.

Noah’s Ark Pet Aid, based in Bury, has won a customer vote entitling them to a grant of up to £1,500 as part of the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme.

The charity launched by Lisa Rose and Tracy Hulme to help struggling owners feed and care for their pets during the cost-of-living crisis.

Wendy Howarth, community champion for Tesco Bury, said: “It’s great that Noah’s Ark won as they can continue helping people in our community feed their animals.

“Tesco Stronger Starts is open to charities and community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 every three months.

“Three local good causes are selected to be in the blue token customer vote in Tesco stores throughout the UK.”

The tokens can be found at self and customer checkouts in most Tesco stores and voting boxes are usually located near the store exit.

Currently, Tesco Bury have three schools on the Stronger Starts voting point: Higher lane primary, Sunnybank primary, and Mersey Drive primary.

Wendy said: “The community grants have now changed to stronger starts, giving thousands of children a healthier, active start in life by supporting schools to apply for extra financial help to boost young people’s mental and physical wellbeing."

Last year, Tracy said: “People are struggling and going to food banks but there is a bit of a gap for those struggling to feed and care for their pets.

“People make these comments, exactly like what people said during the free school meals about not having kids if you can't feed them.

 “It’s not about that, a child or a pet is a member of your family. You may have had them for a long time and been able to afford that but things change."

The scheme is open to all schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with priority given to projects that provide food and support to young people.