KIND-HEARTED residents are being urged to donate items to help the needy in the run up to Christmas.

Maldon District Council will once again be supporting the food pantry Christmas appeal.

The Maldon Food Pantry Christmas Appeal invites the public to donate items of festive food to be distributed in parcels to those in need in the community.

The council offices in Princes Road will act as a collection point for food items, nappies and coffee.

Council chairman Henry Bass said: “This will be the fourth year that the council has supported the Maldon Food Pantry and I am delighted that we will be helping them again this year.

“I hope that the community will join us in donating festive themed goods such as Christmas crackers, Christmas cake or pudding, mince pies, biscuits, jelly, custard, tinned ham and any kind of chocolate or sweets.”

In addition to this, items such as nappies, tuna and coffee are always in short supply.

Donated items will be handed over to volunteers for the Maldon Food Pantry where the seasonal bonuses will be distributed every week in the lead up to the winter festival.

The offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am, when donations can be made.

Donations will be collected until December 11.

To find out more about donating visit maldon.gov.uk.