AN East Lancashire brewer has supported a charity drive to give presents to children in Lancashire this Christmas.

Thwaites in Penny Street, Blackburn, has supported Rock FM’s Cash For Kids initiative for the third year running.

The Thwaites Shire Horses collected hundreds of gifts from participating pubs throughout December to give children in the community a present to open on Christmas Day.

Carol Shearer, trade marketing manager at Thwaites, said: “This is our third year supporting the Cash for Kids initiative and it is fantastic to see all the support offered to those in need this Christmas.

“Thanks to the generosity of the local community and our regulars, we can ensure that needy children will benefit from such a worthwhile cause.”

Cash for Kids is the umbrella brand for Bauer Radio’s network of independently registered local charities, which operate across 20 local areas within the UK.

In 2011 it raised more than £7.3million, with funds raised sent to children and young people throughout the country.