Rising fuel costs and the cost of living increases are making things really difficult for the less well off in our society. The effects are never more greatly felt than at Christmas when the demands on our finances are stretched even further, especially for families with small children.

Harry Elliott of Lennox Lodge No123 in Richmond became increasingly concerned for those less fortunate than ourselves and with the help of the other members of the Lodge set out to buy selection boxes and small gifts to donate to families who may be struggling to make ends meet at this time of year.

When they had finished the Brethren had purchased and wrapped over 250 items. Harry along with Santa and the Worshipful Master of the Lodge Jason Hammond presented these gifts to Georgie Lonsdale at North Yorkshire County Council Children's Services for distribution to those families who might otherwise have little or nothing to open on Christmas morning.

Pictured are Harry Elliott, Jason Hammond, Santa (Chris Clay) and Georgie and the team from Children's Services.