STAFF at the Saffron Walden Herts and Essex Building Society in Bishop's Stortford raised money for Comic Relief on Friday by telling jokes.

Customers paid £1 to hear a gag, and were invited to offer one of their own. However, if the joke fell flat they could be fined, adding to the day's charity total.

Branch manager Michelle Stevens said: "It's always nice to spread a little cheer to our customers, and there's nothing more contagious than a smile."