The spirited efforts of bag packing youngsters raised £1,100 for Little Haven Hospice and scout funds.

The First Ashingdon St Andrew's Scout Group, along with beavers, guides and cubs packed bags in Sainsbury at Rayleigh in the run-up to Christmas and put in more than 200 hours to raise the cash.

One of the group leaders, John Blundell, said: "The beavers and the guides were carrying it out as part of their community badge work and the scouts were carrying it out as part of their award scheme.

"There was a superb response from the public. They have invited us back next year."

Bagged up - Checkout girl Jan Martin Royle, left, and Louise Gloyn, centre, from Little Haven, with packers, left to right, Reiss Morritt, Ben Thurlon, Natalie Hills, and Peter Harries

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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