A NORTH-EAST MEP is on a mission of a different sort this week - delivering parcels to food banks.

Taking time out from representing his constituents at EU sessions in Brussels and Strasbourg, UKIP Euro-MP Jonathan Arnott is spending his time helping bring Christmas cheer.

His mission begins tomorrow morning in Peterlee, County Durham, followed by Houghton-le-Spring and Brandon in the afternoon.

On Wednesday he will be donating items at centres in the Middlesborough area in the morning and later travelling over to Stockton and Bishop Auckland.

The following day, after going to Ferryhill, he will be visiting two centres in Newcastle.

Mr Arnott said: “When there is so much need, in so many places, it can be difficult to know where to start.

“But whether it’s time or money, skills or craft, here or overseas, we can all make a difference.

“It follows naturally from my political beliefs that I must also believe in charity. I don’t believe that we can simply leave everything to the State. we must be prepared to take some individual responsibility for ourselves.

“This year, my personal intention is to do something a little closer to home. It’s tragic that in our society, there are still people who struggle so badly to make ends meet that they have to rely on food banks for support.”

He added: “Christmas is a time when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“It’s a time for giving first, and receiving second. It’s a time for thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves, whether here in the UK or around the world.

“There are so many good causes. This Christmas, let’s all do what we can, according to our ability, to help those in need.”