A SHORTLIST of three organisations are in the running to become The Lexicon's first charity of the year.

The charities are the Bracknell Gymnastics Club, South Hill Park Arts Centre and the Ark Trust.

The Lexicon has appealed to the public to vote for which of the final three will partner with the town centre in a range of events and fundraising activities.

Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the interest in, and number of entries received for The Lexicon’s Charity of the Year. 

"There is so much fantastic work taking place in the local community. Now, we are asking for local residents to help choose The Lexicon’s Charity of the Year.”

The charities vying for the spot have pitched their reasons as to why they deserve to win.

The Bracknell Gymnastics Club hope to build Bracknell's first ever dedicated gymnastics facility with the funds they would receive, as well as supporting their gymnasts as they head to the 2018 European Championships.

South Hill park Arts Centre, which consists of two theatres, a dance studio and creative spaces, relies on funds to deliver outreach projects with schools, dementia friendly cinema screenings and an arts programme for vulnerable and at risk young adults. The Lexicon money would assist the charity in furthering these projects. 

The Ark Trust aims to improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged. They would use their funds to continue providing this support through weekly activities, social groups  and education while continuing to reduce social isolation and barriers to independent living.

Go to www.facebook.com/TheLexiconBracknell to cast your vote. Polls close at 12pm on Friday November 3, 2017.