‘ELF storage’ will help charities cope with an influx of donations this Christmas.

A facility in Darlington is offering local charities and families the space to store items received throughout the winter.

Donations to foodbanks and other charitable organisations working to support the community often surge before Christmas.

With that in mind, the team at Dainton Self Storage will open up secure storage units in a bid to help those who help others over the festive season.

The company is offering a limited number of storage units free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

Manager Shaun Lacey said: “Christmas can be a very exciting time for families but it can also be a very difficult time for those experiencing hardship.

“There are some wonderful, kind-hearted people in Darlington who work tirelessly to help others and we wanted to lend them our support.”

The business is also offering free storage to help local parents hide presents from their curious children until Christmas Eve.

Mr Lacey said: “We all remember as children the excitement of Christmas and the strong temptation to have a sneaky look for the presents our parents might have hidden around the house.

“We’re offering this free service to help keep the magic of Christmas alive, and so we remain on Santa’s good list.”

Christmas gifts can be dropped into the reception at Dainton Self Storage on Yarm Road where they will be kept in a secure internal storage unit until Christmas Eve.

Any charities or organisations wishing to access free storage units can visit the facility, call 01325 489562 or email darlington@dainton.com.