CHRISTMAS can herald isolation and loneliness for families escaping domestic violence, but staff at a North-East refuge hope to make it a day to remember.

At Women's Aid Wear Valley, in Bishop Auckland, some of the children have never received a present, a fact that has made staff Louise Brown and Fiona Nicol determined to make it a Christmas to remember for their residents.

They are appealing to readers of The Northern Echo to donate gifts for children or money to help them provide a Christmas dinner.

Louise said: "Christmas time has been particularly traumatic for families who lived in violent situations, so we take great pains to make it as normal a Christmas as possible.

"It's almost like creating as many moments as we can so they have something to look back on with fondness. We can all think of one or two Christmases in our childhood that were special. Some of our children have never experienced anything like that."

At the moment there are about nine children in the refuge, ranging from a one-month-old baby to a 16-year-old boy, but over Christmas that could go up to 14.

Presents for the mothers would also be appreciated.

Louise said: "This is a children's appeal, but the mothers in here rarely receive a gift - in a domestic violence situation presents are very few and far between. One woman in here is 21 and has never received a Christmas present or gift.

"We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of Northern Echo readers."

People can leave presents at the refuge in 9, Etherley Lane, Bishop Auckland, or ring the centre on (01388) 604985.