HUNDREDS of items were donated to two town charities for Christmas by staff at Blackburn with Darwen Council and Capita.

The goods were delivered to people using THOMAS, those on the margins of a society and homeless charity, Nightsafe in the annual collection.

Tins, dried goods, biscuits, toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorants and soaps were donated after both charities identified a real need for them.

Father Jim McCartney from THOMAS said: "A lot of people who use our drop in centre will be spending Christmas alone so it is good to see how others who are in a position to contribute help to improve their lives. We are truly grateful. On behalf of the people who use our drop in centre I would like to thank all the staff for their generosity."

Lesley Cairney from Nightsafe said: "The generosity of people, especially around this time of year, is truly amazing. For homeless young people Christmas is often the loneliest time of the year. "