Arsenal and England legend Paul Merson has helped kick-start a campaign which will see London-based charities, community groups, clubs and sports teams share a £10,000 prize pot.

The 98-goal Arsenal hero turned popular Sky Sports pundit has given his backing to Leyland SDM’s revamped Give London a Lift campaign.

It is the second time leading decorating and DIY retailer Leyland SDM has run the initiative following its successful debut in 2020, which saw 10 good causes benefit from £1,000 worth of DIY materials to spruce up their facilities.

Organisations can apply online each month and winners will be chosen by a team of judges.

Merson, who was also a fans’ favourite at Aston Villa and Portsmouth, said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s Give London a Lift campaign, which gives groups in London the chance to revitalise their buildings and facilities.

“It’s a really tough time for charities, community groups and clubs at the moment and funding is hard to come by. These DIY materials from Leyland SDM will make a real difference and provide a significant lifeline.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the end results from all the winners.”

Leyland SDM has stores in prominent locations across London and stocks everything from paint to tools and electrical wiring to plumbing parts.

Give London a Lift will run between May and September, with two prizes of £1,000 worth of Leyland SDM credit each month.

Groups can apply for prizes to help them open new premises, recover an existing building from a state of disrepair or any other project which benefits the community.

Applications can be made on the Leyland SDM website – www.leylandsdm.co.uk/givelondonalift – by providing a 200-word overview of what the organisation does, how it benefits the community and how the £1,000 credit would be spent.

Paul Gerreli, Marketing Director at Leyland SDM, said: “The inaugural Give London a Lift campaign was a huge success last year and it was fantastic to be able to support some amazing charities and groups in our home city.

“Winning groups including food banks, schools and community centres, who all put the materials to good use to breathe new life into their facilities.

“It’s great to be able to run the scheme again and we’re thrilled to have Merse on board. We look forward to seeing the entries pour in.”

Established in 1985, Leyland SDM started trading with a single store in Central London, supplying local tradesmen as a Specialist Decorators’ Merchants with paint and decorating materials.

Today the business has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY retail brands in Central London with stores in some of London’s most prominent locations, including King’s Road Chelsea, High Street Kensington, Shaftesbury Avenue, Victoria, Streatham, Notting Hill and Clapham High Street.