A CHARITY is asking people across the North-East to gather their friends and join in a new fundraising event that will help change children’s lives.

The Barnardo’s Big Brunch aims to raise £5,000 to help vulnerable children and young people who are supported by the children’s charity in the region.

This includes children who are living in poverty, those who are disabled and who have suffered abuse.

Barnardo’s is encouraging people to take part throughout February by hosting a Big Brunch event at their home, their favourite café or at their workplace and give people a chance to donate to Barnardo’s at the same time.

Janice Heathcote, fundraiser for Barnardo’s, said: “If you like a chat with friends, a bite to eat and want to help children at the same time, then the Barnardo’s Big Brunch is for you.

"We’d love to see lots of people getting involved and hosting a brunch at their home or at their favourite local café or coffee shop. It promises to be a lot of fun, with the money raised making a dramatic difference to the lives of many children and young people.”

For more information and ideas on how to make your Big Brunch a success, visit www.barnardos.org.uk/bigbrunch or call Janice Heathcote on 07500-577873 or email janice.heathcote@barnardos.org.uk