Marlow Air Cadets say they are “thrilled” after winning a vote to become Marlow Sainsbury’s new charity of the year.

Sainsbury’s stores on West Street and High Street have announced the partnership this week, with cadets receiving a year’s fundraising and awareness support from staff at the supermarket.

The charity was chosen by customers in store and online with 318 votes.

To celebrate the announcement, a launch day will take place at the West Street, Sainsburys on Saturday.

Customers will get a chance to meet representatives and learn more about the work they do.

Bob O’Sullivan from Marlow Air Cadets said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the Sainsbury’s Marlow local charity of year. We can’t wait to work together and raise the profile of our charity over the next year.

"Thank you to all the customers that voted for us, we really appreciate the support.”

The scheme is now in its seventh year and for the first time, customers got the chance to vote for their favourite charity from a shortlist put together by the supermarket.

The project has raised over £7 million to support good causes since 2009.

Marlow Air Cadets, The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) consists of three separate parts: the Air Training Corps (ATC), the RAF Section of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and the Volunteer Gliding Squadrons (VGS).

Cadets may join the ATC after their 13th birthday, or if 12 years old and have started school year 8.

They may stay until their eighteenth birthday and if selected as a staff cadet until they are 20.

Cadets are trained to pass exams to become first class, leading and senior cadets.

Training within the ATC can also lead to up to 7 BTECs, each counting as the equivalent of a GCSE.

In addition to this suitable cadets are selected to become corporals, sergeants and flight sergeants to assist in the running of the squadron.