MORE than 400 families on Teesside are to enjoy a Christmas hamper packed with treats, thanks to kind-hearted schoolchildren.

Pupils from 11 schools in the district have taken part in a scheme to provide families in need with hampers filled with essential food, festive goodies and other gifts.

Pat McBride, a teacher at Newlands School, in Middlesbrough, said the scheme was launched 14 years ago.

"We started off doing 25 hampers, but now lots of other schools have taken up the idea, which we're really pleased about. Social workers and nurses in the communities nominate the families and the children bring in items for the hampers."