STUDENTS and staff at a North-East college have made up to 200 parcels to bring a smile to faces of less advantaged young people in the region this Christmas.

Representatives of the Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club collected the parcels from students at Derwentside College, in Consett, County Durham, on behalf of the charity Children North-East.

College curriculum manager Barbara Powell said: "The response to the appeal has been tremendous.

"Student and staff from every area across the college contributed.

"And they had done it in just two weeks.

"We would like to thank everyone who has supported the appeal," she added.

Ms Powell said students have also had a hamper appeal for the elderly of the district. Four to five hampers will be given to the Salvation Army for distribution.