The popular Shop For Schools initiative has returned to Mansfield’s Four Seasons Shopping Centre this week, giving 30 schools from across the region the chance to win big.

Now in its 12th year, the scheme rewards Four Seasons shoppers with points vouchers which they donate to the participating primary school of their choice. At the end of the month-long campaign, the school with the most points will win the first prize of £3,000 to help fund anything from new books and gym equipment through to training courses and computers.

Rebekah O’Neill, Centre Manager at Four Seasons, said this year’s campaign was likely to be the most successful yet. “We invited local schools to sign up to take part in the initiative at the beginning of the year,” she said, “and we had a terrific response, with 28 schools joining up on the first day alone.”

Wynndale Primary School received the £3,000 top prize for the third consecutive year in 2015 (pictured), with Farmilo Primary School receiving the runner-up prize of £1,000.

“Last year’s winners and runner-up spent their prize money on a combination of new books, equipment and specialist training courses, so the children really benefited,” said Rebekah. “As the theme of the 2016 event is Healthy Eating, this year we’re also going to give every single school taking part a ‘Grow Your Own Vegetables’ box to help establish their own vegetable patches.

“It’s so easy for people to play their part and support the efforts of the schools,” she said. “For every £1 spent, shoppers will receive a points voucher which they can donate to their chosen school at our customer services desk.”

The 2016 scheme launched on Saturday, 19 March and will run until Tuesday, 19 April. With triple points awarded every Sunday and on bank holidays, shoppers have the chance to earn big this Easter Monday.

“Shop For Schools is an important part of the year for us, as it enables us to give something back to the local community,” said Rebekah. “We’re incredibly proud of how successful the scheme has been previously and we’re looking forward to another fantastic year.”