More than 2,000 gifts have been donated so children across Preston and Lancashire have a present to unwrap on Christmas Day.

Cotton Court Business Centre and Barnardo’s Lancashire’s Christmas present appeal saw a huge surge in support from businesses, organisations and individuals across the city.

Now in its 12th year of running the total value of presents donated to the appeal is estimated to be around £12,000.

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Assistant director at Barnardo’s, Debbie Nolan-Plunkett, said: “This gift appeal, organised by Cotton Court, really does give back the spirit and excitement of Christmas and allow all of the young people living in our accommodation in Lancashire to receive a gift.

“Our staff teams love to see the excitement on young people’s faces when they open their presents and feel the Christmas spirit. These gifts are also distributed to families who may be facing hard times especially given the cost of living rises and the extra financial challenges families face when they have a sick or disabled family member.

“Our Lancashire Young carers and Break time services for children with disabilities have staff teams who are like elves at Christmas time distributing gifts across the County.”

Chief executive of Cotton Court, based in Church Street, Rob Binns said: “We are extremely proud to drive this appeal for kids all over Lancashire. It isn’t just a tradition for us – it is our way of spreading joy and making a real difference.

“Yet again, we have been blown away by the generosity of the businesses, individuals, and communities who have donated gifts for children and young people who may not get anything else. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Among the organisations backing the present appeal include Nuffield, Highfield Hybrid, Euxton Church of England Primary School, Felton’s Surplus Stores, Gloves Functions and Events, Alma, Fit Forward, We Clear Blockages, Freshfield and Lee Hayward PT with many more dropping in presents to Cotton Court and other donation points across the city.

Blog Preston readers were encouraged to donate to the appeal.

Co-editor Luke Beardsworth said: “It’s great to hear there’s been a bumper collection and donation for the appeal, we never have any doubt about how community-spirited our readers are – whether they run their own business or not.”

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