IRVING and Sons Estate Agents in Verwood are collecting items to help the homeless keep warm this Christmas.

As many people are sharing the festive day with loved ones and friends, people who are homeless may find this the hardest time of year.

They are cold, hungry and alone and there’s nothing to enjoy and little hope of anything better.

Irving and Sons want to make a difference to a local charity by collecting much needed items and delivering them directly to hostels across the south-west.

Items don’t need to be brand new.

They are looking for men and women’s clothing, footwear and socks, gloves, scarves and woolly hats, towels, blankets, duvets and sleeping bags and food and thermal flasks for the life-saving soup runs.

The drop-off point is Irving and Sons Estate Agents, 1 Edmondsham Road in Verwood.

Items should be dropped-off between December 8-19.

Those unable to drop off their donations can call 01202 823333 and someone will collect it.

Father Christmases join in festive fundraiser

POOLE Park was deluged with Father Christmases on Sunday for a fundraising event.

The British Heart Foundation’s Santa Jog saw people walk, jog, or run the two-mile or four-mile routes dressed as St Nick to raise cash for the charity.

The organisation made it easy to take part by offering free Santa outfits to all adults who got involved, while children aged under 14 could come in any fancy dress.

BHF fundraising manager, Neil Jarrett, said those taking part would certainly be on Father Christmas’ ‘good’ list this year.

“The Poole Santa Jog provides an ideal way for the whole family to kick-start the Christmas season,” he said.