A BANK is asking for residents to help them decide how £5,000 will be shared by three charities in the town.

The John Holt Cancer Foundation, Warrington Association for Special Children and BCPA Zipper Club Halton Group, who work with heart operation patients, have been shortlisted by Natwest’s Community Fund.

A public vote will decide which organisation receives the top donation of £3,000 with the remaining two charities being handed £1,000 each.

Angela Shirley, Natwest senior bank manager in Warrington, said: “The Community Fund has really captured the imagination of the public and I have been overwhelmed by the response so far.

“It was always going to be difficult to choose just three beneficiaries from the many good causes put forward, and it was great to have local people help make that decision.

“We have three very worthy winners, all of whom will benefit and now we need the public to decide how the £5,000 is allocated.”

The £5,000 fund was launched in August to support charities and good causes in areas served by NatWest branches in Lymm, Warrington, Stockton Heath, Widnes and Runcorn.

Hundreds of charities applied before a panel shortlisted the three charities to benefit from the fund.

Nationally, 380 individual funds were created and over 1,100 local organisations will receive a donation.

Votes can be cast by visiting NatWest branches or online at natwest.com/communityfund.

Voting opened on November 8 and closes on November 26. The winners will be announced the week commencing December 13.