The police have teamed up with Secret Santa to help them deliver a happier Christmas to 80 children.

Officers in Darwen helped the community interest company in their annual Christmas drive to provide gifts to 1,000 children who would otherwise not receive a Christmas present.

The team joined up with DARE – Darwen Asylum and Refugees Enterprise to deliver a number of gifts to young people and their families who may be spending the festive period in new or unfamiliar surroundings, or are otherwise unable to buy gifts for the children this year.

The bags include toys and gifts for children, with more age appropriate toys for the older children.

Sgt Lisa Scorah said: “we know that Christmas can be a difficult time for many, and we wanted to support Secret Santa in the brilliant work they do to ensure no child goes without this Christmas. Some families have been displaced from their homes this year from other countries, while others have fled domestic violence with young children and are rebuilding their lives from the grassroots.

“A lot of people have also been badly affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, a lack of work or affordable childcare and just about make ends meet; these gifts will hopefully make it a little easier on them this year so the children have the magic on Christmas morning, too. The work we do every day to protect vulnerable people will continue, but where we can support the local effort at Christmas, we always will.

“Thank you to Secret Santa, Blackburn who have worked closely with our team to deliver these gifts to the children. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”