GENEROUS shoppers and staff at Blackheath’s Sainsbury’s store have raised more than £5,000 for children with downs syndrome.

The store chose the Halesowen-based Ups and Downs as its charity for the year and has held 12 months of fundraising events including tombolas, bake sales, quiz nights, Christmas events, second hand book and teddy stalls.

Jemma Sagar, who founded the charity, said: “Ups and Downs would like to say a massive thank you to Sainsbury’s Blackheath for giving us the opportunity of being their charity of the year and raising such a wonderful amount for us.

“The money will fund lovely activities and give the children a wide range of experiences.”

Store manager Denver Martin said the £5,150 raised showed the generosity of their customers.

Voting is currently taking place to find the store’s next charity partner and customers have until Sunday to nominate their favourite local charity either in store or online at www.sainsburys.co.uk/localcharity.

The most popular will be given the chance to pitch for the chance to be the new charity of the year and the winner will be announced next month.