A CHARITY community campaign proved a huge success for St Luke’s Hospice, which serves residents of Basildon, Billericay and Thurrock.

In the build-up to Christmas, the hospice distributed thousands of envelopes to homes across the region and promoted their Christmas Envelope appeal with volunteers at stations and other places where the public gather.

Donors could return the envelopes by post, at special “post boxes” in the hospice’s charity shops. The appeal brought in more than £16,000 towards the funding for the hospice, which costs more than £5.5million annually to operate and offers local communities a wide range of services for adults and children affected by life-limiting illnesses.

Event co-ordinator Anita Pease, said: “Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign. And a special thanks to our volunteers.”