Supermarket staff ditched their smart striped shirts for mufti to help raise money for Southend Hospital's Neptune children's ward.

The funds generated at the Sainsbury's Rayleigh Weir store were boosted by the sale of special Christmas cards, and a collection by checkout assistant Joyce Phillips, dressed up as a Christmas cracker.

Joyce presented two TVs and videos and a selection of video tapes to hospital play specialist Jackie Keeble and Sister Charlotte Fisher, helped by Sainsbury's staff members Jean Lowther and Gwen Mealing.

Video treats - Joyce Phillips, left, with Jackie Keeble and Charlotte Fisher of Southend Hospital and colleagues Jean Lowther and Gwen Mealing

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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