A community fundraiser in aid of suffering Ukrainians proved to be a huge success as people flocked to the stalls.

Kingswood Heath housing estate, in Myland, Colchester, got together as part of efforts to raise money for the British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Gazette: Cakes and bakes – Tim and Sarah Hayward sell cupcakes as part of the fundraiserCakes and bakes – Tim and Sarah Hayward sell cupcakes as part of the fundraiser

Organisers of the event Lizzi Hollis, Natalie Summerson, Nathan Gladman, Tim Hayward and Sarah Hayward put in hours’ worth of effort to spread the word and get families involved, with more than 100 people turning out for the event.

A tabletop sale, raffle, and refreshments were all on offer thanks to the donations of volunteers throughout the estate.

Gazette: Gifts and goodies – numerous donations from people in the estate made for a bustling morningGifts and goodies – numerous donations from people in the estate made for a bustling morning

A total of £2,766 was raised for the British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal, with £470 fundraised by the Camulos Academy Primary School, who donated the proceeds of their blue and yellow non-uniform day and staff cake sale to the fundraiser.

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On top of this, window cleaner Kevin Williams offered to carry out ten shifts where he would donate the final fee to the fundraiser.

Lizzi Hollis, who decided to organise the fundraiser after feeling helpless watching the events in Ukraine unfold, said she was taken aback by the generosity of the community.

Gazette: Reading in the sunshine – two youngsters read a book together in the spring sunReading in the sunshine – two youngsters read a book together in the spring sun

She said: “There was a lot of really positive feedback about how great it was that we were able to organise it – it was really well received by the community.

“I didn’t expect it to raise that much so to achieve £2,766 is incredible.

Gazette: Valued volunteer – Lizzi Hollis was one of the main organisers of the eventValued volunteer – Lizzi Hollis was one of the main organisers of the event

“It shows the desire for everyone to get together and do something for the community, but it also shows everybody wanted to do something to help Ukraine as well.”

Ms Hollis added the good early spring helped with the turnout.

“We had beautiful blue skies, although it was a bit windy.

“But otherwise, it we had beautiful weather and everyone was in a really good mood and happy to be there.”