CHARITIES are set to benefit while donors enjoy a warming cup of soup as part of a new initiative.

Karen Taylor, from Rowhedge, is launching a scheme where people attend an event and donate at the door.

As they enjoy a cup of soup, they hear speakers who want to promote a cause close to their hearts.

The listeners will then decide which speaker gets to walk away with the money.

Miss Taylor, 50, said: “The idea came from Detroit. They used this same idea and it worked really well.”

She has now gathered together a small band of volunteers who will be on hand to give out soup and collect the donations.

Anyone can put themselves forward to speak, with charities and individual people with a cause all coming forward.

The first event is at Hythe Community Centre, in Ventura Drive, Colchester, on January 9, from 6.30pm until 9pm. A suggested donation of £5 is asked for.