STAFF at New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority donated items to New Forest Basics Bank this Christmas.

The charity provides basic food and hygiene items for local people in need and in dire emergency situations.

Through the generosity of local people, the Basics Bank was able to distribute more than 700 parcels to individuals and families this year.

It is estimated that at least 1,500 people have been helped. Basics Bank also provided Christmas lunches for two New Forest refuges.

Having put a plea out to staff district councillor for Lymington Elizabeth Lewis collected the donations from Appletree Court and Lymington Town Hall to deliver them to Basics Bank.

There were enough items to make up 30 food and essential parcels, which will each last a family of four for a week. Some staff also donated money.

The charity is still in particular need of woolly socks and hats, as well as food items such as tins of soup and ham, sponge puddings, biscuits and basic hygiene items.

All donations are welcome at Basics Bank, rear of United Reformed Church, Lymington (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to noon).

Cheques can be sent to the Treasurer of New Forest Basics Bank, United Reformed Church, High Street, Lymington, SO41 9AG.

For information about New Forest Basics Bank visit www.basicsbank.org.uk or call 01590 610008.