NOMINATIONS are being sought from a bank for a local independent social enterprise or charity to become its charity partner for 2015.

The TSB in Chipping Norton is shunning having a centrally chosen charity of the year and is instead recognising local causes which share the bank's ethos for helping local communities.

By becoming a charity partner, these local causes could get a share of an estimated £300,000 of fundraising by the end of the year.

In addition to fundraising activities, TSB is also encouraging its partners to spend a day when they would normally be working, out in their community supporting their charity partner with their time and skills. The chosen charity will also receive a £100 donation from TSB to kick-start the partnership.

Over the coming weeks, customers, partners and members of the public in Chipping Norton will be able to nominate charities and social enterprises, which they believe should benefit from regular fundraising activity.

Nominations can be made by completing a simple form in branch and must be submitted by Saturday March 14 to be considered. Those that meet the eligibility criteria will then be entered into a random draw and given a fair chance of being selected.

Guy Jones Branch Manager for TSB in Chipping Norton, said: “I’m delighted to be able to launch TSB’s new Local Charity Partner initiative in Chipping Norton, aimed at helping local people and local economies. There’s some fantastic work carried out in our community and the team here is really looking forward to supporting a local cause with their fundraising and volunteering activity.

“All nominations are welcome so we’d urge customers, charities and community enterprises in Chipping Norton to pop in over the coming weeks and make sure their chosen cause is included in the running to be our first charity partner.”

Last year TSB’s partners raised nearly £290,000 for charities across the UK by holding fundraising events such as cake sales, raffles and sponsored activities.

The draw to pick this year's partner will take place on Monday March 16.