Painting the town red – or at least one of Helston’s shops – has led to a children’s charity benefitting by £500.

When Helston Grill in Coinagehall Street decided it needed a lick of paint, retired painter and decorator Mike Crocker was asked to complete the job.

However, when Mike and friend Jamie discussed the job over a drink one Saturday night, they agreed that they would do it but didn’t want paying for it - instead they would ask for a donation to be made to the charity Children’s Hospice South West.

Paint was donated by Leyland Paints at Treliske Industrial Estate in Truro and Mike, Jamie and another friend, Brian Winnie, all gave their time for free over one weekend to give the outside of Helston Grill a makeover.

As the money was going to charity Johnny, the owner of Helston Grill, decided that he would donate £500 for the job.

Amanda Masters, a community fundraiser for Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell, one of the charity’s three hospices in the south west, said: “What a fantastic donation to receive. We are so grateful to Mike, Jamie and Brian for giving up their weekend to do the job and of course to Johnny for making such a generous donation.”

Little Harbour supports more than 120 children with life limiting and life-threatening illnesses, and their families. The hospice in St Austell offers families short breaks and respite, as well as palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support.