A ROSSENDALE butcher has teamed up with a food bank charity to help make sure people in crisis have a proper meal on Christmas Day.

Riley’s of Crawshawbooth, are asking shoppers to make a donation to The Raft Foundation when they order their Christmas turkey in store as part of their Happy Christmas Rossendale campaign.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The butchers have joined forces with The Foundation, a community group which helps people across the Valley.

Paula Riley, owner of Riley’s Butchers has said that the idea came about thanks to a generous customer.

She said: “One of our regulars told us he wanted to buy a turkey to donate to the local food bank to help out a family in need this Christmas.

“We thought it was a great idea and got in touch with The Raft Foundation to see how we could help out even more people in the area.

“Together we came up with the idea of putting together hampers to make sure people who are struggling could have a proper Christmas dinner.”

“We know our customers are generous when it comes to helping out their community, so we’re hoping everyone will dig deep when they order their turkey from us and help give someone a brighter Christmas.”

Mark Stapleton, chair of The Raft Foundation said: “There are many families and individuals in crisis in Rossendale and Christmas can be a particularly difficult time.

“We’re delighted to be working with Riley’s. who have agreed to put together the hampers which we will distribute to families and individuals who meet the referral requirements and access our foodbank service in the run up to Christmas.

“Our delivery of services relies upon the incredible support and donations we receive from faith and community groups as well as businesses and individuals across Rossendale all year round.”

To donate visit www.raftfoundation.org.