STAFF at an East Lancashire town hall have collected festive food and toys to help residents facing a tough coronavirus Christmas,

Ribble Valley Council workers given a large selection of provisions to the Ribble Valley Foodbank and toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal.

They donated puddings, cakes, tinned produce, mince pies, toiletries, books and games for the two appeals, after heeding a rallying call from UNISON union convener Linda Boyer.

She said: “People in the UK go hungry every day for a variety of reasons, such as redundancy or receiving an unexpected bill, and this year is worse than ever, due to the pandemic.

“But a simple box of food can make a big difference and remind people who are struggling that they are not alone or forgotten.

“The festive season calls us to consider those who are less fortunate and my kind-hearted colleagues have risen to the occasion.”