A GYM owner's mission to bring joy to underprivileged children has reached new heights after an epic collection totalling more than £5,000.

Ste Cotson and his sister, Niki, have worked tirelessly for the last fortnight drumming up support and collecting gifts.

The pair organise the mass toy donation to children in Hartlepool every year, but considered giving it a miss this year due to the pandemic.

Mr Cotson said: "With everything that has been going on we weren't sure if we would be able make it work, but this year has been our best year yet.

"We didn't realise just how much we had received until we laid it all out in the gym. It took us four hours and there is well over £5,000 worth of gifts. This is our ninth year now and we would love for more people to get involved next year and help us reach even more children.

"Huge thank you to my sister, Niki, who has been non-stop again helping make this happen."

The gifts will be donated to local schools and the women's refuge. For information about the gym visit labgym.co.uk