Young and old packed into the Stevenson Centre, Great Cornard, to exchange unwanted goods.

The swap shop was organised by the Rev Jamie Allen, of St Andrew's Church, as part of a national event led by Oxfam.

Items handed in for swapping included televisions, computers, clothes, books and toys.

"It was a great success," said Mr Allen. "The Stevenson Centre was full and we had a really good mixture of residents come down."

There had been concerns that there would be squabbles, as swap shop rules meant someone could exchange a book for a computer.

But they proved unfounded.

"There weren't any real arguments and I think everyone was really happy with what they came away with," said Mr Allen. "We had a scheme where people could put a post-it note on an item they wanted before the swapping began and that seemed to work well."

The idea was to stop unwanted items going into landfill.

On Sunday, there will be the unusual sight of a hospital bed travelling through the streets of Great Cornard and Sudbury.

The bed will be followed from St Andrew's Church to Walnuttree Hospital by dozens of youngsters in pyjamas.

The event will raise money for the Rainbow Children's Ward, at West Suffolk Hospital, and the church.

The walk was inspired by eight-month-old Megan Roper, who spent three months at West Suffolk Hospital after a series of fits.

Megan is back at home with parents Sarah and Carl but doctors are still puzzled over the cause of the seizures.

Nevertheless, her parents are determined to give something to the Rainbow Ward for her care and to the church.

Sarah said: "During this time we were supported by St Andrew's and by way of thanks, we are trying to raise money, both for the hospital and the church."

The walk will start at around midday after the Sunday service.

• For more information or a sponsorship form, call Mr Allen, on 01787 737579.