THE generosity of West Somerset residents will be making a real difference to those in need this Christmas.

Not only did the West Somerset Food Bank collect ten trolley loads of food over the collection days at Morrisons, but £266 was given in donations as well as £60 worth of food vouchers by one customer.

Christine Payne, co-ordinator of the Food Cupboard said: “The Iceland Store in Minehead is collecting food for us and donations and gifts of food have been coming in from all over West Somerset.

“Even many of the village shops have set up a collection point so that everyone had the opportunity to donate, it’s wonderful.”

Local knitters have also been doing their bit to bring a smile to children’s faces; chocolates have been wrapped in little knitted Christmas puddings.

Mary Simmonds, a resident at Wyndham House residential home and who is in her 90s got together with a friend to knit little Santa sacks and stockings which have been filled with sweets and chocolates.

200 boxes are being made to send out to those who need them over the Christmas period by the West Somerset Food Cupboard.

Already 100 boxes have been sent out and on top of the 200, some smaller boxes for the elderly and the lonely have also been made.

Christine added: “None of this would be possible without the generosity of all those who support us.

“From the people who stood in Morrisons, the team who sorted the food and packed the boxes, the decorators, drivers and the ladies who kept us supplied with tea.

“This has been not only a team effort but a real community project where thoughts are for those for whom Christmas might not otherwise be a time for celebration.”