A CHARITY campaign with a difference has got under way in Ipswich town centre.Clad in pink high-visibility T-shirts, workmen improving the roads in Upper Brook Street are attempting to raise awareness and funds for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

A CHARITY campaign with a difference has got under way in Ipswich town centre.

Clad in pink high-visibility T-shirts, workmen improving the roads in Upper Brook Street are attempting to raise awareness and funds for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Suppliers have sponsored a “Guess how many?” competition, testing passers-by by asking how many paving slabs will be laid in one week.

The first slab was laid by the Mayor of Ipswich, David Hale, and representatives from stone suppliers Charcon.

The company is putting up a prize of a £1,000 stone patio for the nearest guess.

Brian Askew, of Ipswich Borough Council's StreetCare service, is organising the week's activities.

He said: “Our staff will be wearing pink high-vis T-shirts and tabards and Whitehouse Enterprises are donating special signs.

“We also have a little quiz for children and plenty of little give-aways.

“I am delighted by the support and pledges from shop workers and local businesses.”

Councillor Paul West, transport portfolio-holder, said: “This is an excellent cause and I am proud of our team for doing this on top of their normal work, which will not be affected.

“I know that these important street scene and gas mains replacement works have caused inconvenience to shoppers and shops alike but improvements are being made and everyone is working very hard to complete it as soon as they can.”

Work started on the improvements to the road last month. A new gas main is being laid and then Upper Brook Street will be partially paved.

It is hoped this will emphasise it is a pedestrianised street - open only to buses, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles, and for access to spaces for disabled drivers.

The work is due to be completed by September.

Some traders in the street are concerned that the work is hitting business - but others have said that being closed to traffic has made it more pedestrian-friendly.