An East Lancashire accountancy firm has launched it annual Christmas present appeal.

PM+M, which has offices in Blackburn, is asking clients, contacts, friends and the local community to donate gifts to help vulnerable families and children in the Blackburn, Bury and Burnley areas.

This is the 13th year the firm has run the appeal, which aims to help make the festive season into something very special for people who are unlikely to receive a present on Christmas Day.

Last year hundreds of gifts were donated and distributed to children services in Blackburn, Burnley and Bury.

PM+M is asking that gifts should be new, unopened and around the value of £10. They should also be for children and teenagers of any age or gender, and be unwrapped but should not contain confectionery or alcohol.

Helen Clayton, managing partner at PM+M, said: “There are hundreds of families across Bury, Blackburn and Burnley who are facing a tough Christmas.

“The cost of living crisis has affected so many people, so we hope this appeal plays a small part in bringing some much needed joy and creating some smiles.”

Gift drop offs can be made at either of PM+M’s main offices (Blackburn: New Century House, Greenbank Technology Park, Challenge Way; or Bury: First Floor, Sandringham House, Hollins Brook Park, Pilsworth Road) between 8.45am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, by Monday, December 11.

PM+M has also put together an Amazon wish-list which can be used to purchase a gift that will then be delivered direct to one of the offices.