Free books prove a festive treat for Blackpool children

Blackpool Better Start, a lottery funded 10-year programme to improve the lives of pre-school children, has handed out books to 469 children during December – along with a letter from Father Christmas.

The free gifts were sent following a Facebook campaign inviting parents to register for the special, festive treat.

The book gifts will help support the literacy strategy that is being implemented across the town.

Simone Moore, community connector at Blackpool Better Start, said: “It’s been really hard to connect with families in Blackpool this year, so we’ve had to look at more creative ways to engage parents.

“Normally, at this time of year, we hold a huge ‘Winter Wonderland’ event where we get to treat Blackpool families to a fun day of Christmas activities and connect them with extra services and support they might need, but this year we can’t do that.

“Instead, we’re gifting books, giving a personalised letter from Father Christmas and linking families to any extra help that might be needed, especially after the year we’ve had.

“The response has been phenomenal, and it’s been so much fun dressing up like an elf and delivering the gifts. This year has been tough for some many people, and it’s been amazing to be able to give a bit of cheer to so many families in Blackpool.”

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