A Pembrokeshire charity is in the running for funding from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides end-of-life care and support services across Pembrokeshire, is hoping for a financial boost from the initiative.

The Stronger Starts scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to community projects.

There are three shortlisted groups in each community, and it is down to Tesco customers to decide who should receive the top award by voting in their local store.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is among the contenders in Haverfordwest and Goodwick.

If successful, the charity will use the funds to purchase additional equipment to continue its free, vital home care services for end-of-life patients and their families.

Pat Coombs, clinical and equipment coordinator at Paul Sartori, highlighted an increasing demand for their services.

She said: "Every year the number of equipment items loaned in our community increases.

"This Tesco scheme is a great way of local people supporting the growing need and our services in our county."

Voting is open in all Tesco stores from October until mid-January 2025.

Customers can cast their votes using a blue token given to them at the checkout each time they shop.

Previously known as Tesco Community Grants, the Stronger Starts scheme has already provided more than £110 million to at least 60,000 projects across the UK.

Delivered in partnership with Groundwork UK, the £5 million grant programme mainly helps schools and children's groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities to support young people's physical health and mental wellbeing.

This includes breakfast clubs, snacks, and sports equipment for after-school clubs.

The funding is also available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that benefit communities, particularly those helping to provide food and give children the support they need for a good start in life.

Anyone can nominate a project, and organisations can apply online.

The Paul Sartori Hospice at Home Service offers a range of services to Pembrokeshire residents living in the final stages of a life-limiting illness.

These include home nursing care, equipment loan, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, clinical nurse specialists in palliative care, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training.

The services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, thanks to the generosity of the Pembrokeshire community.

For more information on the charity and its services, visit the Paul Sartori website or call 01437 763223.

To find out more about the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme, visit the Stronger Starts page on the Tesco website.