A SCHEME where visitors to a plum orchard can pick their own in return for a donation has raised £150 for Colchester Hospitals Charity.

Retired postman David Sainty, 77, came up with the scheme at Mascott’s Farm in Copford after being successfully treated by both prostate and bowel cancer in the last five years.

Mr Sainty, of Keable Road, Marks Tey, also supported the charity’s prostate cancer urology fund by selling cherry plum jam, honey and sweets.

He said: “The staff at Colchester General Hospital and Essex County Hospital have looked after me so well down the years, and this is my way of saying thank you.”