SUFFOLK: A number of armed forces charities have been given a helping hand thanks to the efforts of a supermarket group.

A total of �39,000 was raised by the East of England Co-op for charities Help for Heroes, SSAFA Forces Help and the Colchester Garrison Welfare Fund.

The money was raised during a special fundraising week held in Co-op shops, branches and offices across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

A huge variety of events were organised and there were cake sales, raffles, tombolas, a car washing event, tug-of-war and some weird and wonderful attire worn by store colleagues to promote the fundraising initiative.

Richard Samson, chief executive of the East of England Co-operative Society, said: “I’m delighted that our fundraising week has been such a huge success giving us the opportunity to support three very worthy causes that do so much for service personnel who have been affected by their experiences while serving overseas.

“This is the first time we have promoted a society-wide activity like this and it’s a great achievement to have raised such a large sum of money.

“Credit is due to everyone who took part and those who supported our fundraising efforts.”

n Are you a member of the armed forces and have a story to tell? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.