GORDON Banks MP was at the Tesco Extra Store in Alloa last month where he met Diabetes UK volunteers and supporters.

The organisation was chosen as Tesco’s National Charity of the Year in 2013 and by late summer 2014 the partnership raised over £16 million. It has now been announced that from January the British Heart Foundation will be joining a “first-of-a-kind” partnership, which is expected to raise further millions for both charities.

The MP said: “The statistics are shocking –there are over 265,000 people currently living with diabetes in Scotland, with an estimated 49,000 more with Type 2 undiagnosed, so it’s great to see the charity Diabetes UK getting support of this kind from Tesco.

“We also have to thank the many volunteers, supporters and Tesco colleagues who have been working so hard to raise awareness of the condition and of course their fundraising efforts.

“The British Heart Foundation will be joining the partnership next year, which is a very positive development. Well done.” Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, added: “We have already been working with Tesco over the last 18 months and it is really exciting to be continuing working with them and our new partner, the British Heart Foundation, to make a real impact on reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

“It is remarkable to see the way that all these people have worked together and supported Diabetes UK and the Charity appreciates their many efforts and expresses sincere thanks to all concerned.”