A CHARITY seeking to give Christmas presents to needy York residents has gone from strength to strength since appearing in The Press.

Christmas in Need, which is run by Dunnington mother Kate Subritzky, is set to help around 400 people this year.

The charity, which began in 2014, first appeared in The Press last month, which Kate said, prompted a great deal of interest in its work.

"Christmas in Need has taken off to a massive extent," she said.

"This year we are helping some outstanding local charities such as IDAS, Besom, Yacro, Ordnance Lane, Howe Hill, Peasholme, York Family information service, Arc Light Centre and York District Hospital children's ward.

"We are also getting many private nominations to help local families and the elderly who face a very bleak Christmas.

"We are on target to help about 400 people this year, which we are so thrilled about.

"We have had some incredibly generous donations both from business sponsors and the public, as well as now having more than 300 volunteers."

On Thursday, Christmas in Need held a gift drive at Monks Cross, backed by the shopping centre and photographer Paul Eames.

The Farm Shop York provided three reindeer free of charge to complete the festive scene.

Kate said: "We asked everyone to bring a small gift and they were able to have their photo taken with Santa, and meet the reindeer Dancer, Prancer and Blitzen.

"We had over 250 people there, and had a really wonderful evening meeting everyone who have made a huge effort over the last few weeks to make this a success.

"It's been an incredibly busy few weeks, but all the hard work is paying off."

The charity is holding a wrapping event tomorrow at Barclays Bank in Parliament Street from 4-7pm.

Presents are continuing to flood in, but Kate has some advice for others still looking to donate.

She said: "I'm sat here surrounded by the most enormous piles of presents, which is amazing.

"Nearly everybody has bought children's gifts, which is wonderful.

"Now, we really need some more men's gifts, warm items and brand new electrical items such as kettles and toasters, so it would be great if people could offer them."

For more information on how to nominate or donate, the Christmas In Need Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/christmasinneedcharity.

You can also email the charity at christmasinneeduk@hotmail.com, view its Amazon Wishlist and check out its Gofundme page: http://tinyurl.com/hwo7h22