STAFF at York-based engineering consultancy firm TSP Projects chased away the January blues by collecting donations of food, clothing and personal care items for those in need.

Blue Monday, the third Monday of the month which fell on January 21, is considered the most depressing day of the year.

To battle the blues the team at TSP Projects decided to support their local community by bringing in donations for local foodbanks and outreach programmes for an entire week.

John McGall, volunteer at Kitchen for Everyone, who received just some of the mountain of donations amassed by the staff at TSP Projects, said: “With so many people, including young families, struggling to buy what we consider the basics, these simple items ranging from tins of soup to bottles of shampoo and soap will make a huge difference to day-to-day lives. We’re really grateful to TSP Projects for making January a little less blue for those in need.”

TSP Projects, whose specialisms include rail, energy, aviation, security and construction, is responsible for designing and constructing many major infrastructure projects within the UK.

Michelle Athey, from the TSP Projects HR Team, commented: “We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees and ‘giving something back’ to the community plays a massive part in lifting our spirits at this time of year. It is a testament to the caring nature of our team here at TSP Projects that we are able to help make a difference and contribute to such worthwhile local causes.”

The firm, based in The Crescent, off Blossom Street, won the coveted Press Business of the Year title and also the Business Innovation of the Year accolade at the 28th annual Press Business Awards last November.