AGE Concern brought bucketfuls of Christmas cheer to local pensioners when it dished out treats galore in its yearly parcel appeal.

Local companies rallied round to support the campaign to make sure elderly people in the area enjoyed a festive feast.

Hallis Hudson, Askews and scouts from South Ribble took part in the appeal, collecting tins, tea, meats, chocolates and biscuits to give to Preston pensioners.

Age Concern volunteers co-ordinated the operation and also went out and about delivering the goods. More than a hundred food packs were handed out.

Helper Bernard Black spent hours in his car dishing out the parcels. The sprightly 71-year-old, who used to own Blacks Travel shops in Preston, was overwhelmed with the reaction from many of the people he visited.

He said: "At each stop I made, I took time out to have a chat to the resident.

"They were so surprised and pleased that somebody had remembered them and thought about them.

"The elderly can get quite lonely so it's nice when someone comes along to say hello - it's more than simply a parcel of food.

"I really enjoyed the deliveries and got so much satisfaction out of it."

Bernard started his service with Age Concern by using his travel expertise - he took a group of pensioners on a tour of Portugal.

But when his holiday skills are not needed, the Ribbleton man, who is a joiner by trade, becomes an odd job man for the charity.

Judith Culshaw, the charity's deputy chief executive, said: "We are very grateful to Bernard and the companies who supported our campaign. Those who received the parcels really appreciated them."

Age Concern also stocks food, blankets and warm clothing for emergency packs to cope with the winter months. The service includes taking flasks of hot drinks to homes. Contact the charity at Arkwright House for information or call them on 01772 253079.

NEXT year's deliveries will be carried out in a new converted minibus bought this Christmas with a special grant.

Age Concern Preston and South Ribble were awarded £5,000 for the vehicle from Lloyds TSB Foundations in a festive handout. The local group bought the brand new bus and adapted it to make it accessible to wheelchairs.

It replaces a worn-out bus the charity had for years and will be used daily along with another vehicle to transport the elderly and carry goods.

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