A SCOUT group has thanked residents of Harwich after undertaking a fundraising event.

The 1st/2nd Parkeston Scout Group organised a Christmas card delivery service as part of a tradition spanning more than 40 years.

Areas covered included Harwich, Bathside, Dovercourt, Parkeston and Tollgate.

The service began on December 2 and deliveries continued until December 19, with all funds going towards the Scout Group Funds.

Brian Mayo, group leader, said: “On behalf of the 1st/2nd Parkeston Scout Group, I would like to thank all the shopkeepers, who allowed us to use their premises as collection points, and the residents of Harwich, Dovercourt, Parkeston and the surrounding areas who supported this fundraising event. 

“We have been providing this service for over 40 years, and I am aware that there are many people who don’t send as many cards as they used to, but we have had a busy two weeks. 

“Despite the service being advertised as extending to Mayes Lane, once again we received cards addressed for delivery in the villages of Little Oakley, Great Oakley and Ramsey. 

“These were delivered during the period. We also received some cards a long way outside of this boundary. 

“We have neither the time nor the personnel to deliver these cards but have to rely on the Royal Mail, after buying the stamps, of course.”

He added: “We did manage to deliver correctly several cards with wrong addresses, due to local knowledge and determined investigation. 

“We still have a few, which I can only assume have been put in our boxes by mistake, as they only have Christian names and no addresses.

“This year the weather was very kind to us apart from some very cold evenings. 

“I would like to congratulate all the young people who worked very hard on their individual meeting nights delivering cards in the dark. Not an easy job I can assure you.

“Also, thanks to the Parents, Committee Members, and Leaders, who gave their support to the Scout Group by finding time at this very busy time of year to make this venture so successful. 

“A special thank you must also go to those who still help, even though their children have grown up and left the Group several years ago, and some who have had no connection with the Group at all.

“This service could not be provided without your help.”