FATHER Christmas has had a little helping hand this year delivering Christmas presents to the homeless and needy in Worcester.

Members of St Barnabas Church, in Green Lane, Rainbow Hill, Worcester, have been decorating and filling shoeboxes with goodies to be given to people in need throughout the Faithful City.

More than 300 boxes of festive cheer were collected, said the rector of St Barnabas, Canon Robert Jones.

"It is a wonderful expression of people wanting to give at Christmas," he said.

"We have had a great response from businesses, organisations and individuals leaving them at the door."

The boxes were given to St Paul's Hostel, the Maggs Day Centre, the YMCA and the Worcester and Malvern Women's Aid Group.

Popular fillers included toiletries, toys and sweet treats and it was the fourth year the Christmas box appeal has been running.