A massage therapist from St Albans has been offering mini massages to shoppers to raise money for charity.

Lucinda Cracknell, 37, offered head, shoulder and foot massages at markets across St Albans to raise money for World Vision’s East African Appeal.

Over three days she gave around 25 massages, raising about £190 for the charity.

Ms Cracknell has been working as a massage therapist for 17 years, but recently gave up her job as an accountant to make it her full time career.

She said: “When I was working as an accountant I would always just write a cheque but now my financial situation is different so I have to think of more creative ways to help.”

World Vision is a Christian charity which works with over 100 countries in their struggle against poverty, hunger and injustice.

With strong ties to Africa, Ms Cracknell has been supporting World Vision’s East African Appeal for over 15 years.

She added: “I read about mothers forced to abandon babies by the road to get the rest of the family to food.

“I can’t imagine being that desperate, or facing such an agonizing choice.

“I really wanted to do something to make a small difference.”