SUPERMARKET customers have been placing their votes in store and online to name Macmillan Cancer Support their charity of the year.

Shoppers at Sainsbury's Blackpole chose Macmillan which will receive a year’s worth of fundraising and awareness-raising from the store.

To celebrate, a launch day will take place at the Blackpole store on Friday, August 5 with people getting the chance to meet representatives from the charity and learn more about the work they do.

The store team will also be fundraising for the new charity over the coming year by holding cake sales, dress up days and other activities.

Kelly Whitehouse, Macmillan in Worcestershire fundraising manager, said: “I'm tremendously warmed and encouraged by the enthusiastic support shown by the customers and staff of Sainsbury’s Blackpole.

"It's inspirational how people have come together to vote for Macmillan in Worcestershire as the chosen charity to raise funds and awareness for in the Worcester area.

"Together, we’ll hold collections and host events so that we can champion this valuable cause which is so close to many people’s lives to raise a significant amount of money for Macmillan, helping those less fortunate than ourselves.

"Each year, 3,285 people in the county hear the devastating news that they have cancer and, sadly, cancer still claims the lives of 1,550 people across the county.

"I would like to encourage you to support those affected by a cancer diagnosis, their families and their carers. Together we can make a difference to people’s lives”

Kevin Healy, store manager at Sainsbury’s Blackpole, congratulated Macmillan Cancer Support.

"It’s great to be working with a new charity this year.

"My colleagues are really excited about the partnership."