Hundreds of families who are struggling to make ends meet are to be offered some Christmas cheer in the next few days. They will receive food hampers, toys, food vouchers and activities thanks to an appeal for donations by Leicestershire County Council's Targeted Family Help Service.

The service, which offers a broad range of advice and support to families, has collected donations from businesses and organisations across the county, including £10,000 worth of food vouchers from Hinckley Foodbank. Now the county council has revealed what is being handed out across the seven districts which make up the county,

Councillor Deborah Taylor, the council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "There has been an amazing effort from so many people to make Christmas brighter for many families this year and we can't thank everyone involved enough. The reality is that with the cost of living and other pressures, Christmas can be a tough time for many people. We hope this will go some way to help."

READ MORE Meet the 'remarkable' teenager who has tirelessly worked to help others

In Charnwood, which includes the towns of Loughborough and Shepshed, the service expects to provide around 40 hampers containing three days of three-meals-a-day for a family. In North-West Leicestershire, including the towns of Ashby and Coalville. around 30 hampers will be distributed, as well as toys for approximately 50 children, the council said.

In Blaby and Oadby & Wigston at least 60 families will receive hampers with food and festive treats and the children will receive a toy each. In Melton and Harborough around 50 families will be offered help, including information on support, family activities and recipes for leftovers. Platform Housing, which has a number of residents in the area, has donated 180 presents.

In Hinckley and Bosworth, while the £10,000 worth of food bank vouchers are distributed, up to 500 children will receive toys donated in response to the appeal. A further 40 children will get food parcels plus recipe cards and activities for them and their families.

A range of festive events, including discos and craft sessions, are also taking place. Funded by the Government's Holiday Activity Fund,(HAF), these are for families who are working with the Targeted Family Help Service. Meanwhile, households where people are feeling the squeeze can get support through the Government-funded £3.6m Household Support Fund (HSF). This allows eligible residents to apply for an average of £200 toward their food and energy costs.

Under the scheme, more than 19,000 children will receive a £15 food voucher during holiday and food banks across Leicestershire will receive £200,000 to support with purchasing food and white goods, the county council said. The council is also using some of the HSF to support Age UK, meaning the charity can help more older people check if they're eligible for pension credit and complete the application process.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first