GENEROUS Sainsbury’s shoppers have raised a record amount for the Blackheath store’s fifth annual charity appeal.

The final figure has yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be around £6,500 - £5,000 up on the previous year.

The cash will go to Old Hill-based Loaves ‘n’ Fishes, which provides furniture, household items and clothes for people in need.

Sainsbury’s PR ambassador Jo Thatcher said a second-hand toy and book stall had become a permanent feature in the store in the last year and largely accounted for the boost in funds raised.

Nominations for customers and staff to put forward their favourite local charity to benefit from the next 12 months of fundraising are now open, with forms and voting boxes in the store this month.

Mary Turner, from Loaves ‘n’ Fishes, said: “ We were surprised and very pleased to be picked last year as we were up against two well known charities and were shocked when we got the call.

“It’s well worth putting names forward it’s has been a great experience and Jo Thatcher has been a constant visitor at our offices.”

The total raised for the Waterfall Lane-based charity will be announced at the end of the month when the new charity partner will start its year.