Stoke-on-Trent officers have joined in with the festivities and helped to distribute toiletries and presents to vulnerable people in Staffordshire.

Stoke-on-Trent north local policing team assisted generous residents of Mow Cop to create and deliver around 100 shoe boxes full of essential items and gifts to rough sleepers across Hanley. 

The project, run in collaboration with 'Mow Cop and surrounding areas social chat Facebook group' and PCSO Simon Jones, saw the shoe boxes delivered to Hanley Connect based at Brighter Futures, at the end of November, so they could be given out in time for Christmas. 

PCSO Jones said: "We have been working hard to engage in the community and help vulnerable people access the support they need. 

Around 100 shoe boxes full of essential items and gifts were given to rough sleepers in Hanley (Staffordshire Police).

"We approached a local Facebook group to help in the appeal and have been blown away by their generosity and festive spirit. 

"This appeal has really helped encourage a sense of community and hopefully will show those sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness that people really do care about them and want to support them in making positive change when they're ready and able to."

The shoe boxes were split into male and female and different age groups. Winter packs containing hats, scarves and gloves were also given out. 

Matt Marchant, a team leader of the hub at Hanley Connect, said: "The shoe boxes have really made a massive difference to so many individuals, a few of them have got upset as they weren't expecting to receive any presents this year.

"We've even had staff dress up as Santa to give them out, so it's really brought some festive cheer."