Santa and his elves will be doing the rounds in Gregson Green on Friday, collecting food and donations for families in need.

From 5pm, the festive favourites will be paying a special trip to Gregson Lane,some of the surrounding streets, and Coupe Green for their annual Five Gold G’s collection.

Read more: Christmas events for the family in Preston

The Gregson Green Gathering of Goodwill Gifts collects tinned and non-perishable food to be handed out to families in need through Homestart Central Lancashire, a charity which supports families facing difficult times.

On Santa’s wish list are: pasta, pasta sauces, rice, rice sauces, long life milk, tinned vegetables/beans etc, cereal/cereal bars, biscuits/puddings, tea/coffee, sweets and chocolate.

They will also collect household items including soap powders, fabric conditioners, washing up liquids, detergent products, hygiene care products for adults and children (not specifically sanitary products as they don’t always know if they are suitable.)

Donations can be dropped off before 5pm on Friday December 20 at:

Old Oak Garage, Hoghton Lane
Lilac Tree at Holland House Nurseries
South Ribble Borough Council
Hairlines, Gregson Lane
Brindle Gregson Lane Primary School
Brindle St Joseph’s Primary School
Coupe Green Primary School

They wlll be picked up before the sleigh takes to the street and taken to Homestart after the Santa Sleigh Collection to be distributed in time for the festive season.

What are you doing to support people in difficult circumstances this Christmas? Let us know in the comments section.