WORKERS in Blackburn and Darwen are being encouraged to think of those less fortunate than themselves by 'lighting up someone's Christmas'.

The annual project, organised by Blackburn-based Europrint Employee Community Involvement Project, is a way of people giving something back to their community.

Firms and businesses can take up a Christmas challenge such as donating hampers of tinned food to the elderly, sick or needy, offering a couple of hours help to a charity shop or inviting children from the local women's refuge to their employers' children's party.

Wendy Hobson, Europrint Employee Involvement manager, said: "Christmas should be a time of family cheer, good fun and plenty

"But in reality for many people it is lonely, miserable and depressing.

"If your company decides to take up the challenge you can be sure that you are making a valuable contribution towards easing some of the despair and hopelessness felt locally by many people.

"We can provide a choice of challenges all of which will help towards making someone's Christmas brighter and happier."

Staff members can take part either individually or as a team.

For further details contact Wendy at The Blackburn Partnership on 01254 661166.