The Benjamin Foundation has launched an appeal to help 'make Christmas special' for young people and families living in norfolk and Suffolk.

The charity founded in North Walsham holds an appeal every year in the hope of making Christmas extra special for the people it supports.

The charity supports everyone from families in need of help to homeless people, as well as children facing bullies at school.

A spokesperson for the charity said: 'Christmas can be a very difficult time if life is not going as you would like it.

'Each year the charity tries to bring a little joy by giving Christmas gifts to the people who use their services by inviting the public to donate unwrapped Christmas gifts to ensure everybody they support receives at least one present.'

The Gift Appeal has become a regular feature in the charity's calendar, and demand for presents has increased since they expanded services into Suffolk in 2016.

Established in 1994, The Benjamin Foundation operates in Norfolk and Suffolk, helping to stabilise the lives of around 2,000 people every year.

Beneficiaries of this year's appeal will include young people living in the charity's accommodation centres, those who live with host families, and young people playing a caring role within their family.

The Christmas Gift Appeal last year had a huge impact on those who received gifts, with one young person saying: 'They [the gifts] were brilliant. It's really lovely to know that people are thinking of you even though they don't know you.'

Another young person said that it was the first Christmas present she had received in seven years.

Marketing and Fundraising Manager, Chris Elliott said: 'We are inviting people to spread a bit of joy by donating presents for this year's Christmas Gift Appeal. Without the appeal, many of the people we support might not receive any presents to open on Christmas Day.

'You are able to choose to send a gift to a specific service that is local to you, or one that you are passionate about. Whether it is vouchers, story books, soft toys or toiletries, your gift will have a huge impact on a young person or family this Christmas.'

Forms with information about how to donate can be found on the Benjamin Foundation's website.