A Beccles based charity is thanking the local and surrounding community for its generosity over the Christmas period.

Beccles and Districts Lions Club ran a successful toy appeal and visited residential care homes as part of its ongoing work to help those in need.

Lions president Chris Ramsden said: “Christmas is our biggest fundraising period and each year the generous people of Beccles never seem to let us down and this year is no exception.

“It has been even better than last year.”

He added: “We offer help to those less fortunate within the local community therefore we do rely heavily on gifts and donations from the public.

“Through this generous giving Beccles Lions will be able to offer even more help and support to those in the community that need it most – both young and old.

“I know I speak for all members when I say a big thank you for your generous giving again this year.”

The club gave a special mention to B&M Superstore, Roys Supermarket and Morrisons for providing an empty basket for customers to place items in for the Christmas Parcel appeal.

The Toy Box were also thanked for providing a similar service and collection toys from members of the public who wished to donated to the Christmas Toys Appeal. An army of volunteers joined Lions members to make up gift parcels which were then distributed around the area.

Keith Moore, of the Lions, said: “These items are not just for the festive period they are for the New Year too and we really do appreciate the public.”

The charity also arranged visits for Father Christmas to Beauchamp House care home in Loddon, and The White House care home in Beccles.

A special evening detailing the charitable work of Beccles Lions and its impact both locally and worldwide will be held on Wednesday, February 28, at Beccles Railways Station Rooms, in Station Road.