SPORTS clubs and other community groups are cashing in on the busiest period of the year at one of the North-East's biggest food stores.

But customers using the J Sainsbury superstore, at the Arnison Centre, on the outskirts of Durham, are also benefiting at the busy check-out areas.

As weary shoppers pass through the check-outs, the strain of the bag-pack is being met by a succession of local community groups volunteering their services for a small donation.

Store manager Pat Glover, bracing herself for the busiest day of the year today, said the bag-packers were a welcome addition to help speed up the operation at many of the tills.

"We are pleased to welcome in groups from the community to help to boost their funds, and it's good for us as well in getting things moving at the check-outs.

"It's our policy to help local groups to assist their fundraising, while our shoppers have their bags packed for the sake of a few coppers."

Among the groups taking advantage at the tills yesterday was Lumley Ladies FC.

Secretary Dennis Price said the club tried to take advantage of bag-packing opportunities at local stores to raise much-needed funds, with more than 100 girls and young women now involved in the fast-growing sport of female football, at Lumley.

"We've got teams at every age level from under-tens to our seniors, who play in the Women's Northern Regional League, and every chance to boost our coffers is welcome.

"The girls tend to have a bit of fun, and they've adopted the festive spirit for the occasion today," said Mr Price.

Today, virtually all 450-full and part-time staff will be working during the course of the day at the 24-hour store, which will close at 6pm tomorrow. The store will reopen on Boxing Day, from 10am to 4pm.