BIG-HEARTED staff have clubbed together to donate enough cash and food to fill 30 festive hampers for needy families this Christmas in Middlesbrough.

The families have all been put forward by Middlesbrough Council's children, families and learning service.

As well as the efforts of the employees from HBS Service Middlesbrough, donations have been received from the T&GWU, GMB and Unison trade unions as well as Erimus Rotary Club.

KP Foods, based in Billingham, also donated some of its products.

Organiser David Jackson said: "My colleagues have really pulled out all the stops to make this happen. They have set aside some of their shopping, bought in extra, bought two items for the price of one and enlisted the help of family and friends.

"Their efforts will help cheer up Christmas for some very vulnerable families and young people in Middlesbrough. We did this last year and I know that the hampers were very, very gratefully received."