NEEDY families in Hartlepool can look forward to a happier Christmas thanks to the generosity of staff at a local care company.

Employees at Mariner Care have donated numerous bags of toys and other children’s gifts to Hartlepool Council’s Advice and Guidance Hub for distribution to parents struggling to make ends meet.

They work at the company’s new multi-million pound specialist care development Burbank Mews which comprises four high-quality, purpose-built bungalows designed to provide 24-hour care to 12 vulnerable adults.

The development has just been officially opened and almost 60 people are expected to be working there by the time it is fully occupied early next year.

Director of Care Andrea Wallhead said: “We are so proud of all our staff for the way they have donated so generously. Some gave money which was used to buy presents, while others bought additional gifts whilst doing their own Christmas shopping.

“It is a great feeling to know that we are ensuring a happier Christmas than might otherwise be the case for a significant number of people.”

The Mariner Care employees’ donation is set to complement other generous appeals run in aid of local families by both Radio Hartlepool and TFM radio.

Penny Thompson, Business Manager at Hartlepool Council’s Advice and Guidance Hub, said: “We usually use our own crisis fund to buy a few small gifts to ensure that parents we deal with at this time of the year have some presents to give their children.

“The size of the Mariner Care donation amazed us and we would like to pass on our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed.

“The toys and other gifts will be given to parents who contact us in the run-up to Christmas where there is no involvement with a social worker or family worker.”