WEST Mercia Women's Aid is among the charities in the running for a cash prize.

Nationwide has identified three West Midlands charities and is encouraging people to vote for their preferred one - the charity with the most votes winning £5,000.

The charity, which could benefit from the High Street building society's initiative, works with victims of domestic violence and abuse, primarily women and children.

Jan Frances, chief executive of West Mercia Women’s Aid, said: “We are appealing to everyone who thinks that domestic violence and abuse has no place in our society.

"West Mercia Women’s Aid saves and transforms lives and in the light of significant funding cuts which are having a huge impact on local provision, our service users would benefit greatly from the cash prize.”

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust and West Mercia Search and Rescue are the other charities in the running.

To vote visit http://your.nationwide.co.uk/yourrewards/Pages/competition.aspx.

Votes closes at 9am on Monday, August 1, with the winner being announced shortly after.