Yorkshire Building Society members’ small change has made a big difference to three charities in Halesowen.

Halas Homes came first place in the Charity Choices public vote at the society’s branch, on Hagley Mall, to secure a £500 donation.

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust came in second place to win £300 and Beacon Centre for the Blind came third to collect £200 after the two-week-long campaign where local people were asked to vote for who they wanted to receive the biggest share of £1,000.

The Charity Choices campaign was supported by Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, which is funded by the Small Change, Big Difference® scheme where members donate the pennies from the interest they receive on their accounts, just once a year, to help charities and good causes in their communities.

Lorna Kendrick, manager of the Yorkshire’s Halesowen branch, said: “We had a brilliant response to the campaign from our members, local shoppers and residents, but of course the real winners here are the charities – all of whom do a fantastic job of providing invaluable support in our local community.

“Because each and every vote helped secure pounds for the charities it felt right that the decision of splitting the money was put in the hands of our members and local people. I can’t thank everyone enough for coming in to our branch during the voting period to make their vote count – I’m sure the money will make a real difference locally.”

A total of 157 branches and agencies around the UK took part in the 2016 Charity Choices campaign in May, donating a total of £157,000 to charities which make a difference to their local communities.

For more information about the Small Change Big Difference® scheme and the Charitable Foundation visit www.ybs.co.uk/charitablefoundation.