STAFF and shoppers at a Blackheath supermarket are being challenged to raise thousands of pounds for the town’s Royal British Legion.

The branch has been picked as Sainsbury’s charity for the next 12 months.

The Midlands Air Ambulance, Sandwell Sea Cadets and Friends of Sandwell Hospital were also nominated and will each receive £100.

Store Manager Denver Martin said: “We’ve had great response from our customers this year both through in store and online votes. “We’re delighted to have chosen a charity that is so close to our colleagues’ and customers’ hearts.”

The scheme, which is now in its sixth year, raised more than £5,000 for Halesowen-based Downs Syndrome group Ups and Downs in the last 12 months and £6,500 for the Loaves ‘n’ Fishes charity the previous year.

Legion branch secretary Mark Spilsbury added: “We are extremely pleased to be chosen.

“We hope that the partnership will further raise our profile in the town and having a notice board in the store to highlight our activities will be a great benefit to us.

“Our branch is looking forward to working with Sainsbury’s and its staff to organise events in store throughout the year.”