A sports and social club has double the reasons to celebrate thanks to a sponsored trek by one of its members, and success in a community fundraising scheme.

Beccles Caxton Football Club is set for a cash boost after being named as one of the local groups to receive money from a new Tesco initiative.

Bags of Help was set up to distribute money raised from the 5p carrier bag charge to environmental and greenspace projects.

And Beccles Caxton FC has been shortlisted for a grant of either £8,000, £10,000 or £12,000.

All Tesco shoppers in Waveney can vote for who they think should take the top grant - with the club up against Kessingland Parish Council and Roman Hill Primary School in Lowestoft.

The club will be using whatever grant it gets to renovate the old tennis courts at Caxton Meadow to turn the area into a new floodlit training facility. The all-weather facility will also be available to other sporting clubs, schools and youth groups.

Club treasurer Mark Carter said: “This is an idea that we have had in mind for a while now but has always come down to funding as we are a self-sufficient club. So when I heard about the Tesco Bags of Help Grant scheme I thought I would apply never thinking that I would get anywhere with it. I was completely wrong we are now guaranteed a grant to which the amount is up to the public.”

Voting is open in stores from September 26 to October 9. Customers can cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out each time they shop.

And Mr Carter has been getting stuck into fundraising himself, having recently completed a four-day trek of Hadrian’s Wall.

He took on the challenge to raise money for the club to build a memorial stand in honour of former club member Gary Knights.

Mr Knights died of cancer in 2013 aged 50 and had been involved with the club for many years.

Mr Carter hiked 92.6 miles over the four days, raising £1,200 to build the new stand, trekking alongside two friends also raising money for causes close to their heart.

“I’m very pleased and totally exceeded my target,” he said.

“The hike itself was, like the others I have done, a great experience and although still challenging, it was enjoyed.

“Overall it was a fantastic experience and the set backs and poorly feet haven’t put anyone off doing another one with me next year.

“A massive thanks goes out to everybody that has supported us through social media.”