A TRIP to Co-operative Store in White Street, Dunmow on Monday may have left some people confused as they were served by a soldier, a clown or a policeman. However, it wasn t a change of staff but the store s eight employees dressed up in costumes that re

A TRIP to Co-operative Store in White Street, Dunmow on Monday may have left some people confused as they were served by a soldier, a clown or a policeman.

However, it wasn't a change of staff but the store's eight employees dressed up in costumes that reflected what they wanted to be when they were at school.

Sam Winter, store manager, who wore the store's fundraising promotional t-shirt for the day, said: "It was the launch of the Co-operative Group's fund-raising campaign to raise £1 million for The Children's Society."

Other in-store appearances were made by a beautician, a hairdresser, and an artist.

Possibly the strangest costume was worn by Judy Bugeja who dressed as a cat. Her reason was "because, as a child, I used to love curling up in front of the fire".

"Staff said they enjoyed dressing up and it went down well with our customers," said Mrs Winter.

"There was a lot of good humoured banter and it was lovely not to have to wear our uniforms for the day."

The store will hold several fund-raising events over the next five months, the next being a fun day soon after the Easter holidays.