The winners of a £400,000 energy fund for communities will be chosen by the public.

M&S received 240 applications for its Community Energy Fund which have now been shortlisted to 136 for the open vote.

Entrants include a Buddhist centre in Colchester, a steam railway in the Pennines and a tennis club in Penzance.

The company is now inviting the public to choose which organisation they want to receive the grants.

The community with the highest votes will win the regional or one of the two national grants.

The competition aims to reduce costs and their carbon footprint by generating their own energy.

Voting closes on 30th September this year.

Projects which don’t get the highest number of votes will be judged by a panel of experts and discretionary grants will be awarded.

M&S recently reaffirmed its commitment to source 100% of its energy from renewables.