A TEAM of generous helpers put together Christmas parcels that will be handed out to around 500 families in Worcester.

Items donated to the Rotary's festive appeal will benefit people at need in and around the city.

Before the packages could be handed out, they were sorted and packed at an event at Lyppard Grange Community Centre today (Sunday 14).

Councillor Alan Amos, the mayor of Worcester, praised the generosity and organisation of the annual appeal.

He said: "I think it's absolutely fabulous and the whole thing is running like clockwork.

"It's a very traditional event at this time of the year and benefits hundreds of people and very much shows a personal touch.

"The Rotary Club has a very long history of giving help to good causes and this is one of the highest profile and most needed they do.

"At this time of year you tend to think about spending money, but there are a lot of people who can't afford to do that, so seeing someone bring a hamper along will really cheer them up."

Councillor Stephen Hodgson helped organise the event and paid tribute to Waitrose in Malvern who supported the appeal to the tune of £300.

In total, around 200 people helped collect, bag and pack goods for the parcels.

One of those volunteers was Pat Stone, who was helping at the event for the fourth year.

She said: "It's good, everybody is working together and it's a good leveller.

"It can be quite humbling when you see some people giving generously and you feel you should be giving them things."