More than 650 of Newcastle's most vulnerable children benefit from Christmas gift collection

More than 650 vulnerable children and young people in Newcastle have benefited from a Christmas gift collection this year.

Staff and representatives from Newcastle City Council, residents and partners have generously donated the gifts.

Titled the 'Best Christmas Ever' collection, it was part of the city's Evry initiative to ensure that Children in Need and Care Leavers wake up to a wrapped present on Christmas morning.

Gifts such as gloves, scarves, headphones and toiletries were donated via Newcastle City Council staff and an online Amazon wish list.

Cllr Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for a Growing City at Newcastle City Council, has thanked those who donated to the collection.

She said: “Young people can find Christmas a tough time, and the cost-of-living crisis continues to put extra pressure on families.

"It is fantastic that despite these challenges so many local people have donated to this great project to make sure vulnerable children and young people have a special Christmas, and I would like to thank everyone involved in making it such a success.”

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

As well as the gift collection, the 'Best Christmas Ever' also included a Christmas party for care experience young people, with music provided by Newcastle College.

There was a free performance of Pinocchio for children and young people who may other miss out, which was provided courtesy of the Theatre Royal.

Free access was also granted to Christmas themed events, which included NE1's Search for Santa and Urban Green's Northern Lights.