A SHOP assistant proved a real gem when her store set out to raise cash for three children’s charities.

Angela Petty used her jewellery-making skills to create an array of attractive bracelets and ear-rings, which were snapped up by shoppers at Iceland Foods in Thornaby's Pavilion Shopping Centre.

Together with other fund-raising events in the store, staff have raised almost £900 for a trio of charities helping vulnerable and ill children.

The 39-year-old plans to carry on selling the hand-made jewellery at future events to raise even more funds for the charities’ work.

She said: “I started making my own jewellery about three years ago as a hobby and it’s just gone on from there.

“It was actually my sister Stephanie O’Neil who began making it and after seeing how well it turned out I thought it was something I would also enjoy doing.

“I now spend quite a bit of time on the jewellery and make my bracelets and ear-rings using beads and precious gemstones like quartz, amethyst and pearls, stringing everything together with a special beading thread."

Iceland’s 2015 chosen charities are the Children’s Food Trust, which teaches children in care about nutritious food; NYAS helpline for vulnerable youngsters; and When You Wish Upon a Star which runs winter wonderland breaks for families with children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.