AN environmental charity will benefit from about £1 million which is expected to be raised from charges imposed for people buying plastic bags when the levy comes into force next month.

Tesco supermarket said yesterday the money paid for bags would go to Keep Scotland Beautiful after an online vote by customers, who chose the organisation out of five short-listed charities.

The charity said the money would help support its Clean Up campaign to bring together volunteers to fight litter and improve local environments, as well as its Seaside Awards, which celebrate best practice.

Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: "This is fantastic news for Scotland and for our charity. It is significant for the communities that will now benefit from this financial support."