A SELFLESS grandmother from Christchurch has collected and organised hundreds of bags packed with donations to help a cancer charity raise vital funds.

Jean Vivash, 62, who lives in Somerford, amassed more than 500 bags of various items, including clothing, shoes and bric-a-brac from people's donations.

Earlier this month, she took the collection to Somerford ARC community centre in Southey Road so they could be picked up by the charity.

In previous years, Jean has organised donations for around 200 bags for good causes as part of the volunteer work she first became involved with through the slimming group she attends.

Her daughter Jodie Roberts said: "Members of the slimming group donate bags for charity every year.

"She does so much to help other people and this year the total number of bags is just incredible.

"The charities estimate each bag is worth around £25, so the donation could provide around £12,500.

"She is always putting herself last. After working in the early hours of the morning she then starts sorting the stuff for charity.

"People give the donations to her but she puts her time aside to sort everything and organise the bags.

"She is well known around the area and we are all proud of what she has been able to achieve."