THE Salvation Army spread some Christmas cheer by providing hundreds of hampers for vulnerable people in Wirral.

Members of the international charity's corps (churches) of Birkenhead and Rocky Ferry pulled together throughout December to pack and provide the festive hampers to give to those across Wirral that have been struggling to make ends meet.

The hampers varied from toys to food and were made possible from donations that both Salvation Army corps received from generous members of the Wirral community.

In total, 280 festive hampers were put together, 200 included toys and food and 80 consisted solely of toys. The hampers were distributed between nine local primary schools, social services and other partner agencies throughout Wirral.

Captain Sian Wood, church leader of The Salvation Army in Rocky Ferry said: "For some, this season of joy can often be a season of sorrow and after the trials and tribulations of this past year there are more members of our local communities that are struggling than ever before.

"Our annual Christmas appeal ensured that as many families as possible had a happy festive season knowing that they are loved, cared for and thought about by members of their local communities.

"We want to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone that made our appeal possible. Seeing people, businesses, the whole community come together to support us in helping those less fortunate was fantastic and what the Christmas story inspires us to do."