Sainsbury’s Dartmouth has launched a partnership with Ash Rescue Centre as its new local charity of the year.

Ash Rescue Centre, a horse rescue centre, was chosen by the superstore through a public vote in store and online in June.

The charity will now receive a years worth of support by working with the store employees on fundraising and awareness raising events.

Representatives from the charity joined Sainsbury’s colleagues over the weekend to kick start the partnership by selling cards and gifts, plus a guess the name competition.

Jenny Rogers, director at Ash Rescue Centre said: “Thank you to everyone who came to support us at Sainsbury’s Dartmouth over the weekend.

“We’re really excited to have been chosen as the store’s new Local Charity of the year as the partnership will help us to invest in a new field shelter and also sponsor the American Miniature Horse, Bean.”

Sarah Collins, store manager at Sainsbury’s Dartmouth added: “We had a very successful launch for our new Local Charity of the Year, Ash Rescue Centre.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support on the day and am looking forward to lots more successful events over coming months.”

The Local Charity of the Year scheme is now in its tenth year and has raised over £13 million to support local charities since 2009.