Sainsbury’s Halstead has announced that PARC Essex will be the store’s new Local Charity of the Year for 2016 - 2017, following an online and in-store customer vote. 

PARC aims to provide play and recreational facilities for children with additional needs in Essex and short term break care for their families and carers. 

The charity believes every child has a right to play, and children with disabilities need play opportunities which allow for individuality and ability whilst ensuring safety, freedom and choice.

Amanda Richardson, Events Manager from PARC, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us.

"Becoming Sainsbury’s Halstead’s Local Charity of the Year will make a huge difference to our charity. 

"We’re looking forward to the partnership and working closely with the colleagues at the Halstead store.”

This year's Local Charity scheme began at the end of May, when colleagues shortlisted a maximum of three charities to be put forward to the customer vote. 

PARC Essex received the most votes and will receive a year’s worth of fundraising and awareness-raising from the store.

To celebrate the announcement, a launch day will take place at the Halstead Sainsbury’s Store on August 5.

Customers will get the chance to meet representatives from the charity and learn more about the work they do, while the store team will also be fundraising for the new charity by having a tombola and book stall. 

Jo Francis, Store manager at Sainsbury’s Halstead added: “I’d like to say congratulations to PARC Essex. It’s great to be working with a new charity this year. My colleagues are really excited about the partnership.”

The Local Charity scheme is now in its eighth year. 

The scheme has raised over £11 million to support local charities since 2009.