CHILDREN'S charity CHICKS was given a helping hand just before Christmas, after receiving a generous food donation from Callington-based Ginsters.

The donation, which consisted of turkeys, fresh vegetables, gammon and a range of other meat products, was used to cook Christmas dinner and other meals for disadvantaged children on the charity's Christmas breaks.

Jo Hartop, head of corporate communications at Ginsters, said: 'Ginsters is a proud supporter of CHICKS, having been one of our chosen charities for over 14 years.

'We are always delighted to be able to help out at Christmas time by donating food for the meals at the retreats. Thanks must go to the generosity of many of our suppliers who work with us to make this happen.'

CHICKS ran its Christmas breaks from December 23 to 27, for children who were unable to spend the festive season at home due to issues such as abuse, poverty and neglect.

During their break, the children took part in a range of activities, including a trip to the pantomime, visiting Father Christmas and attending a carol service as well as receiving presents and stockings and enjoying a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas Day.

CHICKS' chief executive Elanor Hoskin expressed thanks to Ginsters and its suppliers: 'It was all put to good use and helped us to provide a delicious feast for the disadvantaged children that spent Christmas with us this year.

'For some of the children, this may have been the first traditional Christmas they have known, so we wanted to make it as special and memorable for them as possible.'

CHICKS provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK. Last year it helped more than 1,100 children, giving them a much needed break at the charity's rural retreats in Brentor and Par in Cornwall.