RETAILERS Sainsbury’s showed their community spirit when they presented a group of local youngsters with gifts.

Staff from the Christchurch store visited the pre-school sessions at the United Reformed Church Hall in Southey Road - a group specifically for mothers and children on the Somerford estate.

The presents, which included learning toys and cuddly creatures, were gifted on June 8, 1989.

Sainsbury’s decided to give the group a boost as part of their Good Neighbour Scheme.

The then-Christchurch branch manager Leonard Skellon explained to the Echo at the time: “We try to give help and support to small groups who often find it hard to raise money.”

The then-Rev Daphne Hull from the Somerford church said: “We are delighted with the gifts from Sainsbury’s. The children particularly were overjoyed.”