SHOPPERS got a surprise on Saturday when two Bolton MPs helped them pack their bags at the tills.

Bolton North East MP, David Crausby, and Bolton West MP Julie Hilling rolled up their sleeves and pitched in on the tills at Marks and Spencer in the town centre, to raise funds and awareness for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The MPs were roped into the bag packing event by persuasive grandmother and campaigner, Christine Ogden, aged 71, whose 11-year-old grandson Alexander has the genetic muscle- wasting condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Since Alexander was diagnosed with Duchenne seven years ago, Mrs Ogden has raised over £40,000 for the charity and has campaigned tirelessly for better services for people affected by the disease in the North West.

The muscles of children born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy waste and weaken over time, leading to increasing disability and shortening life expectancy.

Mrs Ogden said: “I’m so grateful that Julie and David are rolling up their sleeves and continuing to show support, it will really help awareness.”

Before they started packing, Mr Crausby admitted that his wife often criticised him for putting soft items at the bottom of the bags and said he hoped people would be happy with their bags.

The politicians got the thumbs up from happy customers who were pleased with their help.

Marie Irving-Murphy, aged 41, from Sharples, said: “I have never had my bags packed for me before, it was a lovely treat and they packed it very well — nothing got squashed. I never thought I would have my bag packed by an MP.”

Ms Hilling said: “It is such a great cause and we need to highlight the need for services for people with Muscular Dystrophy in the North West.

Marks and Spencer’s food manager Bruce Lambert said: “It’s great to see the MPs here supporting such a worthwile cause. There has been great support from our customers.”