SCOUTS delivered thousands of cards across Harwich in their annual fundraiser.

The 1st/2nd Parkeston Scout Group collected and delivered Christmas cards in an event the group has been running annually for more than 35 years.

Residents were invited to drop their cards at a selection of collection points in Harwich, Dovercourt and Parkeston before scouts hand delivered them.

Brian Mayo, group leader, said: “This year the weather was very kind to us apart from a couple of very cold evenings.

“I would like to congratulate all the young people who worked very hard on their individual meeting nights delivering cards in the dark. Also, thanks to the parents, committee members, and leaders, who gave their support to the scout group by finding time at this very busy time of year to make this venture so successful.

“A special thank you must also go to those who still help, even though their children have grown up and left the group several years ago, and some who have had no connection with the group at all. This service could not be provided without your help.”

Over two weeks the scouts delivered about 12,000 Christmas cards.

Mr Mayo added: “Despite the service being advertised as extending to Mayes Lane, once again we received cards addressed for delivery in the villages of Little Oakley and Ramsey. These were delivered.

“We also received some cards a long way outside of this boundary. We have neither the time nor the personnel to deliver these cards but have to rely on the Royal Mail, after buying the stamps, of course.

“However, we did manage to deliver correctly several cards with wrong addresses, due to local knowledge and determined investigation. We still have a few, which I can only assume have been put in our boxes by mistake, as they only have Christian names and no addresses.”