People are being urged to make a will by St Clare Hospice.

The charity’s Make a Will month takes place in May.

One in seven people has not made a will.

Nine solicitors' firms are taking part, including Foort Tayler, Breezeplus, Heckford Norton and Wade & Davies in Great Dunmow.

The firms will write standard wills free of charge, asking only that the person considers making a donation to St Clare.

Other firms taking part are Adams Harrison (Saffron Walden), Tees (Saffron Walden and Bishop's Stortford), Harris Cuffaro & Nichols (Old Harlow), Foskett Marr Gadsby & Head (Loughton and Epping) and Whiskers (Epping and Harlow).

The suggested donation to St Clare is £100 for a simple will or £150 for a pair of mirror wills.

Tony Smith, trust and legacy officer at St Clare Hospice, said: “This is a terrific opportunity. It really is staggering to think that one in seven of us has not made a will.

"Making a will is a vital issue for everyone and this scheme also helps people contribute to the local community in a meaningful and practical way.

"We are immensely grateful to all the solicitors who are giving their valuable time and expertise to help us."