WE would like to thank all readers for their very generous partnership with the Salvation Army at Christmas.

Through your newspaper’s continued support of the Toys & Tins Appeal, we were again able to meet the demands of those struggling to cope during the festive season.

This Christmas, the demand for toy parcels from referring agencies increased substantially. In the run-up to Christmas, we distributed toys to more than 326 children and 221 food parcels to those in need. We were also able to provide lunch to more than 80 guests and volunteers on Christmas Day.

I also wish to thank those who provided financial support and the local companies that provided so many gifts in kind. Thank you, one and all, for helping to make Christmas special for so many people.

Major Andrew Dunkinson, The Salvation Army, Gillygate, York.