THE chief executive of Warrington Youth Club (WYC) has praised the efforts of the businesses who have supported the charity over the past year including those who helped organise the club's Christmas meal for families in need.

This is the fourth time the club has hosted the event with this year's meal proving to be the most successful with more than 60 businesses from across Warrington offering support.

A total of 185 children, young people, parents and carers were invited to the event at the Gateway with an army of 75 volunteers on hand to make sure the event ran smoothly.

Families were also presented with food hampers to help them through the winter months.

Dave McNicholl Chief Executive of WYC said: "The support that we have received this year for the meal has been completely overwhelming.

"The way in which individuals, local businesses, companies and other charities have supported this event has been a testament to the amazing community spirit that runs right through Warrington."

Volunteers collected more than 4,000 gifts as well as making 90 hampers.

Leftover gifts were donated to Warrington Hospital’s Children’s Ward, Blue Apple Heroes, Warrington Open Doors at Christmas and the YMCA.