How you can be a Christmas hero

The council has launched its annual Give A Little campaign for the fourth year running and is hoping folk will dig deep over the next four weeks to give toys, games, books, toiletries and clothing to the cause.

Last year more than 1,100 children in the town received presents and it is expected need will be just as high this year.

Blackpool Mayor Coun Val Haynes, accompanied by her consort Alan Haynes dressed as Santa, and Coun Pamela Jackson, launched the campaign at the town hall.

Coun Haynes said: “Sometimes at Christmas we don’t like to think about poverty and families that have to go without but the fact is that it does go on.

“Over the last three years, Blackpool residents and businesses have been extremely generous, buying an extra present while they are out shopping. It’s a simple thing to do and doesn’t have to cost a lot but that present can mean the world to children who otherwise wouldn’t have received anything.”

While most presents can be accepted, second hand items cannot be used, as well as anything that is not in its original packaging.

People have until Monday December 8 to make their donations, to allow time for the present.

For more details visit the website www.blackpool.gov.uk/givealittle