MALVERN Town Council is spreading some Christmas cheer after a year which has seen fundraising events cancelled and families feeling the pinch.

The council is working with local charities and organisations to provide festive treats to those in need, collecting "festive cheer boxes" filled with mince pies, Christmas crackers and family games, among other things.

The Town Council, along with the Octagon Centre and The Sunshine Centre, are determining which families are most in need and organising the packages, which will be sent to the Salvation Army and Malvern Hills Foodbank.

Cllr Neil Morton, Mayor of Malvern, said: "We recognise that Christmas will be more difficult for many families in Malvern this year and I am delighted that the Town Council can work with local organisations to spread a little Christmas Cheer for those who need it most. Many of us are lucky enough to have always enjoyed the festive treats that Christmas brings, but sadly many families have to go without them.

For more information, go to www.malverntowncouncil.org/whats-on/festive-cheer-boxes/ where you can donate any amount from £2.50 upwards.

Any surplus funds will be passed on to the Food Bank and to The Salvation Army.

The council also thanked Waitrose and County Councillors Paul Tuthill, Lucy Hodgson and John Raine for their generous donations, but said further donations are needed to help make this Christmas a better one for as many Malvern residents as possible.