SKIPTON Building Society has announced the launch of its annual “Community Giving” scheme where the local community can vote between three local charities to receive donations at the Skipton, Settle and Barnoldswick branches.

This year, community giving is set to donate double that of last year, with a total of £164,000 being shared between 246 good causes across the locations of the Skipton branches.

Each of Skipton's 82 branches has selected three deserving charities within 20 miles of their branch, with the help of local members, who were invited to nominate good causes making a difference in their communities.

The three charities selected for the Skipton area are Tiny Tickers, Craven Open Door and Spirit Of Endeavour.

The three charities selected for the Settle area are Settle Swimming Pool, Settle Victoria Hall and North Craven Girl Guides.

The three charities selected for the Barnoldswick area are Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends, Pendleside Hospice and Robert Windle Foundation.

Starting on Monday of this week customers visiting Skipton Building Society's Skipton, Settle and Barnoldswick branches will have the opportunity to vote for one of the three charities.

Voting will run until Friday, November 1, with the following prizes awarded to the charities based on their vote count:

• 1st place: £1,000

• 2nd place: £600

• 3rd place: £400

Abigail Wallbank, Skipton’s Group Social Impact Senior Specialist, expressed her excitement for the initiative: "At Skipton, we’re passionate about supporting the local communities where our members live and work.

“Doubling our donation amounts this year allows us to make an even greater difference to the local charities that mean so much to our customers.

“We’re proud to offer them the opportunity to have a direct say in where our funding goes and look forward to seeing the positive impact these donations will have in the Skipton, Settle and Barnoldswick areas."

To vote for a charity, or find more information, please visit your local Skipton branch.