The physical education department of Ely College is bidding to bag a cash boost so it can start a youth rowing team.

The college’s P.E. department is in the running to receive one of three cash grants - £4,000, £2,000 or £1,000 raised from carrier bag sales – thanks to the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Jason Coe, curriculum leader of physical education at Ely College, said: “The project will focus on rowing and aims to engage a greater number of students taking part in this unique physical activity.

“Ely, with the Great River Ouse running through it, has a history that we are keen to become a part of.

“We are looking to launch our own competitive youth team in collaboration with the well-established Ely Rowing Club.”

The department also plans to run a project to offer a more varied approach to physical activity within the school, with a link and focus around local sports clubs.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, Bags of Help, which sees cash grants awarded to local community projects.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s national chief executive, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £43 million to more than 10,000 projects across the UK.

Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout March and April. Customers cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

Alec Brown, head of community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for March and April.

“There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp