STAFF at a Southend store have begun a marathon 125 days of charity fundraising.

Workers at the High Street’s Marks & Spencer store joined colleagues across the south east as they kicked off four months of fundraising as part of the national chain’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

It is hoped the 125 days of activities will raise a total of £1.25million for a variety of charities across the region.

Each store has selected a cause to raise cash for, with staff in Southend opting to support St Nicholas’ Special School, Philpott Avenue, Southend.

Events planned by staff include a sponsored seafront walk and a staff raffle, while one brave male member of staff is set to bare all for a sponsored leg wax.