A Blackburn based charity has been gifted a specially designed van to help deliver Christmas presents to children across the borough.

Secret Santa, which was founded by Phil and Karen Boulding, has been loaned the van by Evans Halshaw Ford and will be putting it to good use throughout the festive season.

Working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council's Children’s Services Department, Secret Santa ensure that underprivileged children across the borough have presents to open on Christmas morning.

Mr Boulding said: "We couldn’t do what we do without the help of local businesses and Evans Halshaw Ford have been simply amazing.

"This gesture is so incredible we’re still pinching ourselves to make sure it’s real.

"We can’t wait to see the faces of local children light up when the fully decorated Secret Santa van begins touring the streets of Blackburn and Darwen in the run up to Christmas."

Volunteers with Secret Santa spend all year fundraising in order to purchase items for a ‘Santa sack’ which is delivered to children just before Christmas.

Last year the charity distributed 700 sacks and this year they aim to provide a sack for every single disadvantaged child the Children's Services Department engage with.

Regional Director at Evans Halshaw, Warren Marsden, said: "When I heard about Secret Santa and the hard work that Phil and Karen do all year round, I felt compelled to help out.

"We can really help to light up some children’s faces this Christmas by doing something so simple."

The transit van which has been personalised in wrap-around Secret Santa logos, will be making its way around Blackburn with Darwen over the next few weeks, collecting and delivering gifts and donations.

To be in with a chance of winning a Christmas hamper worth £200, keep an eye out for the van, take a photo of it and then share it on the Evans Halshaw Facebook page.