The Guardian titles have teamed up with Tesco to give charities and groups the chance to win up to £12,000.

The 5p bags have raised £30,000 since payment was introduced last October, and now supermarket wants to give the money raised back to community.

Grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 will be given to three environmental projects in Redbridge and three in Waltham Forest.

Tim Jones, editor of the Guardian Series, said: “We are passionate about supporting local causes and this is the perfect chance to do something positive for the community. I am looking forward to looking through the entries.”

People can bid for the money online or by phone and whittled down to three entries, before voting for their favourite in store and online.

Charity Groundwork will be responsible for handing out the money.

To bid for the money, visit http://www.groundwork.org.uk/tescocommunityscheme or call the helpline on 0121 237 5780 before Friday, June 3.