BY IAN ROSS

YOUNG fund-raising marvels have scored a record-breaking success with their annual Christmas collections.

Guides, Scouts and Brownies from Congleton coined in a whopping £1,900 by packing shoppers' bags and singing carols.

The festive fund-raiser was held over two days in Congleton's Safeway supermarket, and smashed the previous total by a massive £400.

More than 100 Guides and Scouts packed bags for Safeway customers over two days just before Christmas, starting at 9am and ending at 6.30pm.

Those groups which were taking part were Congleton East, Central and West Guides, and Mossley, Buglawton, 1st and 6th Congleton and Dane Valley Scout groups.

In addition about 50 local Brownie Guides entertained Safeway shoppers and staff with a series of festive carols and songs on one of the days.

"The amount of money we raised this year was absolutely marvellous," said assistant divisional commissioner Dorothy Dentith.

"Last year's total of £1,500 was a record, and we beat that this time by £400.

"The shoppers were very generous, and the youngsters worked very hard packing the bags.

"Some did two shifts, and were exhausted by the end."

The money raised is to be shared between local Guiding and Scouting and the MAST Christmas Appeal.