STAFF and partners at Halton Borough Council made almost 300 Christmas hampers to distribute to families in needs in Runcorn and Widnes.

Packages were collected for families identified by front line staff such as health visitors, social workers, schools and nurseries.

They included food, Christmas toys and gifts so families had presents to open on December 25.

Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for children, young people and families, Cllr Tom McInerney, said: “Many families have been hit hard by universal credit, low incomes or just hitting a difficult patch in their life.

“Thanks to the kind generosity of other families, individuals and organisations we have been able to create food hampers for dozens of families.”