Pub's help for needy children

A PUB is collecting unwanted Christmas presents to give to disadvantaged children in the UK and abroad.

The Victoria Hotel, in Brampton Road, May Bank, launched Project Re-Gift last month and patrons will be able to donate gifts until February 12.

Pub manager Linda Gray said: "There's no better time than Christmas for bringing home to us all just how fortunate we are.

"We're hoping that our customers will embrace the true spirit of Christmas and donate their unsuitable children's presents to our campaign, giving kids who aren't so lucky, a happy new year.

"We have been amazed in the past at the generosity of our customers and I am sure they will step up once more to make Project Re-Gift a real success."

Half of the collected items will go to UK charity, KidsOut which runs a toy box scheme providing gifts for children fleeing domestic violence.

The rest will be given to orphans in Thailand who were affected by the Boxing Day tsunami five years ago.

Toys will go directly to the Baan Tharn Namchai Orphanage in Khao Lak, one of the worst affected areas in the country.