A CHARITY and bank branches in Essex have come together to encourage more people to make a will.

Will Aid Month takes place every November, and encourages people to write their will with a solicitor.

Participating law firms give their time to write basic wills, with clients making a voluntary donation to Will Aid instead of paying a fee. Donations support the work of the nine partner charities.

Ahead of the 2017 campaign, Lloyds Banking Group will be promoting the scheme throughout their 14 branches in Essex, including the one on Maldon High Street.

Last year Will Aid raised more than £1.25 million for its charity partners – ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland).

James Tarleton, chair of Will Aid, said: “This collaboration allows us to spread the word about Will Aid further and wider ahead of Will Aid month in November. We would encourage those who would like to make an appointment with Will Aid to book as soon as possible as solicitors are filling up fast.”

Visit www.willaid.org.uk.