Supermarket colleagues raised £1,500 for a Christmas tree ahead of a big switch-on.

Staff at Tesco in Rainham Shopping Centre were approached by Medway Council to see if the superstore could donate to the cost of a festive tree and decorations for the centre.

Inspiration struck the workers, who approached other businesses and put on fundraising initiatives - including a sponsored static-cycle ride to Lapland, a quiz night and a raffle - to collect the money needed for the tree.

The team smashed the target of £1,056, raising a whopping £1,500 in just two weeks ready for the Christmas lights switch-on today (Friday).

Superstore manager Kelly Thomson said: “At first I thought that even if we got £500, that would be good – but we’re all so thrilled to have collected £1,500.

“Lauren Davies, our store Community Champion, really went to town and worked tirelessly with the local businesses in and around Rainham. Her huge efforts and dedication really made it this the success it is.

“Local businesses also donated money and prizes towards the fundraising, which helped get the total well over the finishing line. It really has been a superb joint effort across Rainham.

“We are of course so grateful to our customers who donated. Some were giving notes, which is incredible because we all know that times are hard for many people at the moment.

“We are proud to have raised this money so quickly and it just goes to show what the power of the community can-do attitude can achieve."

She continued that staff would "continue to spread the festive joy" by handing out free mince pies at the front of the store on the evening of the switch-on.

Entertainment at today's event will include music from KMFM.

The lights were due to be switched on at 5pm by Mayor of Medway Cllr Jan Aldous, accompanied by Paddington.