SOME needy and disabled youngsters had a brighter Christmas than usual thanks to a bank's efforts.

Co-operative Bank branches throughout the region took part in a collection of selection boxes and second hand toys for the charity St Cuthbert's Care.

St Cuthbert's Care has more than 25 projects in the region working with children at risk, vulnerable families, adults and children with learning disabilities and older people in need.

The collection was organised by Helen Storey, a personal advisor at the bank's Newcastle branch.

Staff and customers in the city and the branches at Sunderland, Chester-le-Street, Durham and Darlington all contributed.

In addition, money from a staff Christmas party raffle and a donation from the North-Eastern Co-op department store in Newgate Street, Newcastle, produced £750 to buy new toys.

The gifts went to units that support children and families, such as St Aidan's Residential Home, in North Shields.

This is for youngsters aged nine to 12 and has six placements for children who may have been emotionally and physically damaged.

A spokesman for St Cuthbert's Care said: "We are extremely grateful to all staff and customers involved as the result of this hard work is a mountain of toys, games and sweets for children who wouldn't usually be able to enjoy such luxuries."