Shoppers in Castle Point have once again dipped into their pockets to help fundraisers Eddie Stacey and Mary Woodley collects thousands of pounds for charity.

The pair donned their clown's outfits and raised £3,000 over a few weeks around Christmas by collecting at local supermarkets.

Eddie believes he must have raised more than £500,000 in total to help the Phoenix Club for people with special needs.

He said: "When people see us collecting we don''t have to go to them they come over to us and give us what they can because they know we're local people working for a local charity."

This weekend the pair will be at Sainsburys in Pitsea, rattling their tins ands continuing their good work.

Clowning about but Eddie's raised £500,000

Pictures: STEVE O'CONNELL

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