A HUGE thank you has been paid to the big-hearted community of Middlewich for their generosity.

The Salvation Army has been overwhelmed with donations of food and toiletries to help families in crisis.

Santa and Middlewich Round Table have also been thanked for their generosity.

Mark Holmes, from the Salvation Army said: "It has been my privilege to have come and collected your donations of food, gifts and toiletries and the amount collected is mind blowing!

"My car has been full three times and we also had to use three extra cars on Wednesday, which incidentally came at just the right time!"

Food parcels have been distributed to more than 200 families in the past 10 days, including festive goodies and a gift for every member of the family.

"The support we give is 52 weeks a year but is magnified at Christmas time," said Mark.

"This Christmas we have noticed the need for support even more than other years.

"We work closely with various agencies including local schools, social workers, job centres, police and PCSOs to ensure we can support as many people as possible.

"In addition to the food parcels we will also be opening up our hall on Christmas Day to those who would otherwise be on their own, where they can enjoy a Christmas dinner, fun and fellowship."

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Stock levels, he said, hit an all time low on Wednesday as volunteers had to go out and buy items to carry on with their community gifts.

But, thanks to the generosity of local people, supplies were replenished.

"Thank you just doesn't seem enough!" said Mark. "Without your help we wouldn't be able to help so many people.

"It really does make a difference to their lives.

"God bless you all and we wish you all a very happy, healthy Christmas and new year."

Winsford-based Salvation Army supports people living within a six mile radius including Middlewich, Tarporley, Holmes Chapel and Moulton.