PUPILS at St John's School in Epping raised hundreds of pounds for a children's charity when they helped shoppers pack their Christmas goods.

The three-day event, at Marks and Spencer in Epping High Street, saw enthusiastic students in years eight and ten lend a hand in return for donations to the Dream Factory, a charity which provides days out and experiences for youngsters with life limiting conditions.

The cash collected has yet to be counted, but organisers reckon they may have raised as much as £1,000.

Dream Factory head Avril Mills said: "The children worked so hard helping us, they are a credit to their school.

"During the snow when all the traffic was affected, one boy even walked all the way from his house in North Weald to Epping to help us. They were all wonderful."

Some pupils from Chigwell School also helped on the third day of the event.

If you would like to help the Dream Factory, contact Avril Mills on 020-8591-1234 or visit www.yourdreamfactory.org