FROM public houses to private schools, all are joining in this year to make it a special Christmas for the homeless and needy on the Fylde.

O'Neill's Irish bar on Talbot Road, Blackpool, and a top Lytham school have both made particularly concerted efforts this year.

As part of its Christmas Is For Giving project, assigned to pupils of King Edward VII and Queen Mary Infant School, the children brought in more than 100 wrapped gifts, cans of food and goodies to be distributed to homeless families.

Headmistress Mrs Meg Hargreaves said: "We have done this each Christmas now for the past four years.

"It makes the children realise just how fortunate they really are. I'm sure that the gifts are well received and appreciated by needy families."

She added: "The children are also making Christmas cakes, jars of mincemeat and decorating tiny Christmas trees, all to give away."

Meanwhile, at O'Neill's in Blackpool, fun, games and fancy dress were the order of a theme night in an attempt to raise cash.

Game for a laugh staff and customers alike were invited to dress up as their favourite pastimes or playthings in aid of Barnardo's.

Staff dressed as Mini Mouse, GI Jane, a majorette and Woody - the cowboy from Toy Story.

Assistant manager Scott Chaplin said: "We had asked for toys to be donated but we made £55 from collections instead and we are going to continue the appeal in the run-up to Christmas."

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