Volunteers from Blackburn have helped to put a smile on 150 children's faces by organising days out.

Childhood friends Pops Ali and Niaze Faqir teamed up with Phil and Karen Boulding from the charity Secret Santa to organise days out at Gulliver’s World in Warrington.

Pops said: “We just wanted to bring people together and so got local businesses to contribute to pay for the trip.

“Many families don’t have the opportunity to have a day out in the summer holidays so we thought it would be a great way of putting a smile on the faces of young kids.

“We took two coach loads in August and secured a great deal on the coach supplied by Moving People.

“As a goodwill gesture, Naize Faqir drove the bus free of charge on both occasions.

“We also supplied packed lunches for all the families made and these were donated by the wonderful people at the Olde Cotton Mill Tea Room and Bistro in Shear Brow.”

Karen and Phil Boulding from Secret Santa helped to organise the event alongside Pops and Niaza

Pops added: “It was fantastic and brought communities together all in the name of fun.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers and parents for their support and to the local businesses who helped to make this event possible.”

Pops Ali and his team of volunteers have been organising events for families for many years and also raising funds for good causes.

Last year they allocated a trolley at Asda Blackburn where shoppers could buy much-needed aid for the people of Syria and Turkey.

He has also been supporting boxer Bill Hodgson who has been taking part in a number of gruelling challenges to raise funds for charities across Lancashire.