A CHILDREN’S charity in the region is celebrating after raising £13,000 last year.

The money was raised by the Children’s Foundation, the Newcastle-based charity supporting children and young people in the North-East and Cumbria.

Charity spokesman Jonathan Clegg said: “Thanks to the generosity of people from across the North-East, we raised £13,000.

“It was another record-breaking year for our Christmas Gift Wrap at Eldon Square, where we raised just short of £8,000, simply not possible without the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers and the continued support of the staff there.”

Support also came via Leathers LLP for purchasing equipment, as well as John Lewis and Fenwick for donating paper for the stand.

More than £3,000 was raised during carol singing performances at Eldon Square, The Bridges, The Galleries and The Beacon Centre.

Meanwhile, the Children's Foundation team were able to help Santa out by delivering gifts across the region thanks to a number of organisations.

Volunteers also helped out at collections at Theatre Royal, Morrisons Cowgate, Northumberland Street and Sanderson Arcade.

One of The Children’s Foundation’s board members, Phil Marshall, was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to education.

The former executive principle of the Excelsior Academy in Newcastle, said: “It’s very humbling and rewarding to get such recognition for doing something I’ve enjoyed so much.

“To be recognised nationally for doing work you love is surprising and makes me feel very grateful.”