Hampers containing everything from Christmas dinner ingredients to books and gifts for children were handed out to families across the Coalville and Leicestershire area in the run up to the festive season.

Family support workers from Leicestershire County Council assembled and delivered 167 hampers which were funded by the government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, spent a morning in the North West Leicestershire district Children and Family Wellbeing Centre in Coalville with staff, helping to put the hampers together.

She said: "We were delighted that these hampers helped to spread a little festive cheer to so many families in need.

"I'd like to thank all involved in the project and also a huge thank you to everyone who donated books – we received around 1,500 and our library staff will be looking to hand the remaining ones out in the coming months."

Each hamper contained festive fare along with staple foods, recipe cards, craft activity packs, toys and a book for each child. Items to promote outdoor activity, such as ball games, were also included.

The books had been donated to the county libraries and 414 were wrapped by staff and included in the hampers, which came as a welcome treat for families needing additional support.

One parent said: "Thank you so much, this will make such a difference for our family this Christmas, please thank the people who took the time to make the up the hampers."

Another added: "Words cannot express both how my boys and I are feeling - thanks to you and the Trussell Trust we are now actually looking forward to what was going to be a very miserable Christmas for us.

"Thank you so much you have made us so happy with your generosity. Kindly extend our thanks to all!"