NORTHAM Lodge is teaming up with a Bideford supermarket to raise funds for a new activities room.

Following a public vote, Asda's shoppers decided the lodge, which supports people with severe learning and physical disabilities, should be the supermarket's charity of the year.

The 12 month fundraising appeal from the food store chain could net Northam Lodge up to £10,000.

The charity is currently trying to raise around £10,000 for new equipment and training and £15,000 to build a new activities room.

The funds from generous shoppers and staff will go towards these targets.

The new activities room will create space for a technology room so families of residents of Northam Lodge, which live outside the area, can keep in contact.

Nearly all of Northam Lodge's clients have significant difficulties communicating and many are unable to speak or make themselves easily understood.

However, the Asda funds will give these clients the opportunity to access new computers and technology allowing them to communicate in ways never possible before.

The clients will have customised pictures on laptop screens which will enable them to let some of Northam Lodge's 90 staff, as well as family and friends, how they're feeling as well as if they are hungry or thirsty or where they would like to go on a day trip.

Northam Lodge's head of care, Andy Charles, explained that for many people this would be the first time in their lives they have been able to make these day to day choices.

He said: "Imagine how it will feel to be able to let people know what you like or dislike, if you are in pain or if you just want to say thank you or ask someone how they are.

"If you've never been able to do this before this will be life-changing for people."

Northam Lodge's executive director, Charlie Dixon, said he was absolutely delighted the charity had been selected and his team were looking forward to working with Asda.

He said: "It shows how much local people value the work of Northam Lodge care staff.

"We support the most disabled people in our community and we do everything we can to ensure people have the chance to live a full life in the community with all the fun and challenges that the rest of us all enjoy."