A CHARITY has received an unexpected Christmas present delivered by the area’s MP.

Pat Glass, who represents north-west Durham, handed over a cheque of £500 to Consett YMCA.

She became a Secret Santa during a recent visit to its headquarters on Parliament Street.

Chief executive Billy Robson said the cash will go towards the Act On Theatre Group.

He said: “It is nice to receive something in recognition of the work we do.

“A lot of hard work goes into the group by the staff here and young people who are part of it.

“It goes a long way towards keeping them off the streets, tackling anti social behaviour.

“But everything costs money and finding funding is very tight at the minute so every little helps and it is very nice to have a little Christmas present like this.”

The money from the Robert Young Charitable Trust, which was set up by the former Durham County Councillor and businessman.

The drama group’s most recent production was The Music of the Night at the Empire Theatre in Consett, featuring songs from well known stage shows including Phantom of The Opera and Les Miserables.

Mr Robson said: “It is very nice that people are prepared to help volunteer organisations out like this.”