CHILD victims of domestic abuse were given hundreds of gifts to share at Christmas – thanks to a York pub boss and her generous customers.

Wendy Hyde, of The Ainsty, in Acomb, appealed in November for customers and local residents to donate unwrapped presents for youngsters living in a refuge at Christmas.

The Ainsty Christmas Gift Campaign saw people from across the region flock to the pub to donate gifts for the York-based charity Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).

Wendy said there were more than 200 gifts for children and teenagers, split between a dozen youngsters that were in care over the festive season.

“We have been overwhelmed at everybody’s generosity,” Wendy said. “There was one lady from Leeds who made two return journeys armed with gifts.

“It just goes to show that, while people do not have a lot of money, where a child in need is concerned people do dig deep.”