BUSINESSES teamed up to raise money and awareness of child cancers.

Thirty local firms took part in a piggy bank scheme as part of the gold campaign, which ran throughout September.

More than £2,500 was raised.

Joshua Adams, 31, of Clifftown Parade, Westcliff, who came up with the initiative, said: “The gold campaign asks business to go gold in any way as part of raising money and awareness of child cancers. I introduced the piggy bank scheme where piggy banks were placed in businesses and shops in Southend and Leigh. Thirty businesses got involved.

“There was a sign on the piggy banks saying ‘ask why I’m here’ for the customers to then learn about child cancers and put some money in the pot if they wanted.

“It was really successful.”