CROWDS of bargain hunters gathered outside Malvern's Marks and Spencer superstore on yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) in search of items costing just one penny.

To celebrate the firm's 125th birthday, the Malvern store, like others across the country, was offering a range of 15 items in its Penny Bazaar.

And shoppers were not only getting a bargain, they were helping a good cause, with all the proceeds from the Malvern branch going to the Acorn Children's Hospice.

"That's our store charity at the moment," said Sherry Booth, the shop's food section manager.

She said the sale had proved highly popular, with about 100 shoppers waiting for the store to open yesterday and about 70 the day before. "We sold out by 10.20," she said. "It's first come-first served, and when they're gone, they're gone.

The last day of the Penny Bazaar is tomorrow, with the shop opening at 8.30am. The items range from a ladies' scarf to mens' socks, a frisbee and a can of pop.