Poundland has launched a new charitable foundation and opened up a 30-day window for children's sports organisations to apply for grants.

The discount retailer, which has stores in Cirencester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury, has launched Poundland Foundation. The foundation brings all the retailer's charity fundraising under one banner, including a commitment to invest £825,000 in communities over the next 12 months.

Community groups will have the opportunity to apply for one of 250 grants of up to £750 each to provide kits or equipment for local kids' sports teams.

Store manager at Paignton, Amy Millington is a community champion. She said: "Poundland colleagues and customers have plenty of fun, but we take fundraising very seriously because we know how important it is to our local communities.

"We know how vital sport is for children, not just for keeping fit and healthy, but having a good time and making friends too, so it's great to see team sports are kicking off the foundation's first round of grants."

Simon Wells, Poundland Foundation chair, said: "We think the foundation will be a real winner for children's team sports and we can't wait to see the applications coming in.

"It doesn't matter how large or small, new or old, or whatever your chosen sport, get your team's application in now."

Applications will need to be made during June via the new Poundland Foundation website at www.poundlandfoundation.org.uk.

Applications will be considered for any kind of team sport - from football to netball, hockey to volleyball.

Money for the foundation will come from in-store fundraising, carrier bag donations and the partnership with Pennies, the charity that collects micro-donations through chip and pin machines.