A RUNNING group which combines getting fit with helping good causes is in line for a cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

GoodGym started in York in January and already has more than 40 members.

The group runs a different distance each week to help a community project with a physical task - often gardening or clearing up outdoor areas like footpaths - and some members are paired with elderly, isolated people who they run to visit each week.

Group members now want to raise money to start a project especially for beginner runners, and is one of three local groups in the running for a Tesco grant to help it fund the initiative.

Shoppers can vote for it to win the money any of York’s Tesco stores throughout May and June.

Egg Cameron, GoodGym York’s trainer, said: “There are so many community projects and charities that need extra volunteers and we can provide a healthy dose of manpower.

“Our runs can be anything from one km to 10km and we want to offer beginners the opportunity to build their fitness so they feel confident to join any of our regular group runs.”

One runner who regularly takes part in GoodGym events in York said joining the group has been one of the best things she had done. “I’ve improved my running, made new friends and I feel like I’ve done something really useful after each session. I always finish with a huge grin on my face,” Lizzie said.

Lindsey Crompton, head of community at Tesco, said: “There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see them come to life in hundreds of communities.”