SAINSBURY’S in Sale has embarked on a one-year fundraising mission for Alzheimer's Research UK after residents voted for it to become the new Local Charity of the Year at the Sale store.

The exciting partnership began at the start of August.

The partnership launch was supported on August 5 by the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Jonathan Coupe.

In June, Sainsbury’s customers were asked to vote for the charity they wanted to become the store’s new partner – with up to three to choose from.

Overall, 26 stores across the country picked their local branch of Alzheimer's Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, yet there are no treatments to slow or stop the symptoms.

Alzheimer's Research UK is hoping to change that through funding pioneering research into the condition and the diseases that cause it.

The charity has set itself the ambitious mission of bringing about a life-changing treatment for dementia by 2025.

Gillian Edwards, North West Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, who will be working close with the store, said: “We’re delighted that customers picked Alzheimer's Research UK to become the new charity partner of your Sainsbury’s store.

"It’s going to be a really exciting partnership and we’re honoured to be working with such a great company. Over the year, we’ll have lots of events taking place in store for people to get involved with. By taking part, staff and customers will be helping us in our fightback against dementia, a cruel and unforgiving condition which can strip people of their identities and tear families apart. Through the power of research, we know we can defeat dementia – but we need everyone’s help!”

Adam Whitmore, store manager, said: “It’s clear from the vote that Alzheimer's Research UK is a charity that’s very close to the hearts of our customers and we’re pleased to be supporting the cause over the next year.

!We’ll be holding a range of fun activities in store to raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Research UK, so we hope as many people as possible will come and show their support.”

Sainsbury’s Local Charity of the Year scheme is now in its ninth year and has raised more than £13 million to support local charities since 2009.