WORKERS at the Southern Co-operative shop in Mere who decided they’d eaten too many mince pies over the festive season, have not only managed to lose weight but have also fattened the coffers of a charity.

The group decided to motivate their dieting by paying 20p a week to be weighed, with a fine if they gained a few pounds.

Retail business manager Janet Avery said: “At the beginning of 2012, six of us decided that we had eaten too many mince pies and needed to go on a diet.”

They raised £70, then boosted the funds by using the money to make up a hamper, which they then raffled, raising a grand total of £270 for Canine Partners.