A pair of 86-year-old twins raised hundreds of pounds for charity by dressing up as elves and giving presents to children.

Jean Brown and Betty Martin bought 100 presents with their own money to raise cash for Help For Heroes.

The two ladies sat out in the winter weather despite one of them suffering from a chest infection earlier in the week. They raised £383.

Tom Eastwood, welfare officer of the Royal Naval Association and friend of the sisters, said that despite some setbacks due to illness and the absence of an official collection box, the day was “very successful”.

He said: “People’s reactions were brilliant. We raised far more money than I thought that we would, and they deserve it after all the hard work they put in. They are just incredible.”

Their collection was held outside Time & Plaice restaurant in Dartford town centre.