PEOPLE across the Hambleton district care urged to help the less fortunate this Christmas.

They are being asked to join forces with local council staff and members to collect food and household items to distribute around the area.

The authority is gathering together provisions for the Hambleton Foodshare project – which supplies parcels to people in temporary financial need.

Since the Northallerton-based initiative opened up 18 months ago it has given out 1,500 emergency parcels.

Collection boxes are being placed under the festive tree based at the Civic Centre in Northallerton and they will take donations until close of play on December 22.

Organisers say basic provisions such as cereal, coffee, tea, jam, pasta sauce, instant and tinned meals and desserts, soup, rice, toilet rolls, deodorant, shower gel and shampoo are needed – as well as Christmas treats such as mince pies, chocolate and sweets.

“All donations – no matter how small – are important to keep this service able to help people in financial need,” said council leader Mark Robson.

“If we all donate just one thing we can make a big difference to people’s lives. How many times do we go for the ‘buy one get one free’ option and not need one of them – giving it to this food bank is the way to help.”

*Foodshare is open every Monday from 4p to 6pm at the Zion URC Church in Northallerton.