Two mums raised nearly £1,000 for an autism charity by organising a silly sock day last Friday.

Natasha Hoffman, 28, of Rowan Drive, Heybridge and Kate Hailstone, 35, of Maple Avenue Heybridge raised £824.27 for Autism Anglia.

They wanted to raise money for the local autism charity to promote awareness of the condition that affects both their sons.

Staff and pupils at Heybridge Pre-School, Gap and the Co-op also took part in the money raising effort and drivers at Banyards Taxis hung colourful socks in their cabs.

Mrs Hoffman said: “We’re chuffed to bits with the result, I couldn’t believe how much it was when Autism Anglia told me.

“Next year we will have to do an even bigger and better fundraiser.”