YOUNGSTERS are benefiting from a post office collection after singing songs for its customers.

Pupils from three local primary schools - Our Lady School of Martyrs, Hamsteels Primary and Esh Winning Primary - each spent time singing at Esh Winning Post Office recently. As a reward for their efforts, customers gave generously to a collection organised by the postmaster Derek Miller.

At the end of the year, Mr Miller, who has a permanent collection for the schools, shared the takings among them. Six youngsters also received £25 in children's bonus bonds from National Savings and Investments (NSI) after entering a competition.

Jeff Russell, an NSI adviser, said: "I met the postmaster at an exhibition in London and he asked if we could help out. We provided goody bags for all the children who sang and organised the competition."