THERE were some magical moments in Morrisons in Grays yesterday (Saturday, 29 May) when shoppers were greeted by a unicorn as part of the store's support for a cancer-fighting charity.

The store is supporting Young Lives Vs Cancer (formerly Clic Sargent), the UK's leading charity for children and young people (under the age of 25) combating cancer.

Tarnya Bennett is the store's community champion and she is leading the support for the charity and she donned the unicorn costume to collecting from visitors.

"Thanks to our customers and staff for their continued support," said Tarnya who, will also be supporting Young Lives v Cancer in June in conjunction with her counterpart at the Morrisons in Corringham, Samantha Ralph.

Together the duo will be climbing stairs equivalent to scaling the heights of Ben Nevis in a sponsored event. More details will be forthcoming shortly.

And the store at Grays is also holding a raffle for the charity where you will have the chance to win a 'glamping' night at Thamesview Camping in East Tilbury. Full details can be found here.

Meanwhile support is also being offered to a number of other charities, with a particular emphasis on families in need.

The store is offering the opportunity for residents to supply 'Pick Up Packs', a new initiative that makes it easier for customers to make food bank donations alongside their usual grocery shopping.

Priced between £1 and £5, the pre-packed bags are filled with items requested by local food banks and schools, including nutritionally balanced food and sanitary products.

Pick Up Packs can be found at the entrance to the store and can be picked up by customers arriving to do their own shopping and are paid for at the till.

The packs are then distributed to local causes, including Friends of Essex and London Homeless and Thurrock foodbank.