A CHRISTMAS box appeal to provide gifts for Worcester's homeless has been labelled a great success.

Maggs Day Centre, St Paul's Hostel and the Women's Refuge all benefited from the wrapped parcels of food, clothing and basic essentials, thanks to the hard work of co-ordinator Jean Kennedy and city centre churches.

According to Rob Peachey, chairman of the Maggs trustees, the timely gift was well received by homeless people at the centre.

"We had 50 people in the centre for Christmas lunch and the whole day, including handing over the gifts, went very well," he said.

"One client was thrilled with his gifts. He was convinced that, because of the careful and thoughtful choice which went into his presents, the person who put it together must have known him personally."

Each box contained essentials such as gloves, scarves and hats and other extras including chocolates and doggy treats for anyone with pets.

This festive boost was an added bonus for Maggs, which has received £5,500 in unsolicited donations since November.

St Paul's Hostel was also grateful for the gifts from the congregations and public, but co-ordinator Terri Preece urged people to remember warm clothing was essential throughout winter - not just at Christmas.

"The weather's still really cold at the moment, so more hats, scarves and items of warm clothing are urgently needed to help people through this cold spell," she said.

Anyone who has clothes to donate can drop them off at St Paul's Hostel, Tallow Hill, or Maggs Day Centre in Deansway. Cash donations can also be made a the two centres.