VOLUNTEERS who deliver vital supplies to hospitals across Hampshire are celebrating a £15,000 cash boost.

SERV Wessex, The Blood Runners, were awarded with funding from the Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grant initiative.

The supermarket teamed up with Groundwork to deliver a special voting round of its community funding scheme which saw grants awarded of £25,000, £15,000 and £10,000.

Three groups in each Tesco region were shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers were invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they thought should take away the top grant.

Tim Bennett, SERV Wessex treasurer, trustee and blood biker, said: “Thank you to all of the Tesco customers who voted for us during the voting period by putting their blue tokens in our box. The money will make a significant difference to our charity and allow us to fund another blood bike.”

SERV Wessex provide a free service to the NHS in Hampshire, Dorset and South Wiltshire, delivering blood and urgent medical samples to the NHS 365 days a year.

The charity also provides a continuous service to resupply the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance based at Thruxton with the blood and plasma carried on the aircraft and in their critical care cars.