VOLUNTEERS from a community centre gave up their weekend to help raise money for charity.

Volunteers from HARP, Southend’s homeless charity, raised an impressive £573 at Tesco Extra, in Westcliff.

The team joined HARP’s community fundraiser, Lisa Walton, who said: “We love seeing the community come together to help local homeless people. Last weekend, we had parishioners from local churches and members of the 55th Leigh Scouts as young as 11-years-old help us raise a fantastic amount of money for our services.

“They also helped us to inform the public of the amazing work that HARP do. We would like to say a massive thank you to our team of volunteers, Tesco Extra Southend and to the generous shoppers.”

Parishioners at St Peters Church, in Eastwood Road North, Eastwood, were also among those volunteering.

The money will support homeless people visiting the Bradbury Day Centre, in York Road, Southend, as well as providing shelter, food, warmth and professional support to 150 residents as they take steps towards turning their lives around.