SHOPPERS have provided a helping hand for adults with learning, physical and mental health disabilities across Fenland - raising more than �400.

They got behind a Pick Up A Penny campaign at the Anglia Co-operative foodstore in Badgeney Road, March, to raise �433.24 for the Fenland Area Community Enterprise Trust (FACET).

The foodstore’s Sandra Althoff and Tracey Burns handed over the cheque to FACET from the campaign, which saw Anglia Co-operative donate 1p for every till receipt handed in by customers.

March-based FACET provides training to help people over 16 with disabilities prepare for work, lead a more independent life and integrate into the community.

The Marwick Road centre’s co-ordinator, Kathy Thorne, said: “We’re very, very grateful for this donation. Fundraising is crucial to us – for example, it took us seven years to raise enough money to get a minibus.”

Co-op Store manager Andy Ayres said: “Our customers really got behind this campaign for an extremely worthy cause and we’re delighted to be able to present such a significant cheque.”

FACET’s staff and students will be able to have a say in how the Anglia Co-operative donation is spent.

It provides its students with training and work experience in horticulture, woodwork, catering and art and design and also supports them with independent living skills, basic skills and a job club, plus sport and leisure activities.

Facet currently has 86 students on its books from all over Fenland.