VOLUNTEERS bought and gift-wrapped presents for the needy and vulnerable as part of a Christmas festival.

The event, at the Stockton Sparkles festival over the weekend, hosted The Gift event to give people the chance to donate gifts to those less fortunate.

Visitors to the town centre on Saturday could go to the High Street marquee to donate goods, wrap gifts, make decorations and write Christmas cards.

All the items will be given to local people in need and in particular items such as shampoo, lip balm, slippers, hairbrushes and hat, scarves and gloves were accepted.

Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for arts, culture and leisure, said: “The Gift is a really touching community initiative which encourages people to think of those less fortunate.

“There was plenty to help with such as gift wrapping, Christmas card writing and making hampers of donated goods – all of which will make a huge difference to people who are faced with challenging circumstances."

Anyone who missed Saturday’s event can still drop of donations at the Rediscover Stockton shop on the High Street from 9.30am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday.”

For further information about The Gift and to see the full Stockton Sparkles programme visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles