Cradley Heath firefighters hand out festive donations

Firefighters at Haden Cross Fire Station in Cradley Heath have been overwhelmed with donations from the public after the station decided to support the elderly, food bank charities, hospitals and children's centres by launching an appeal.

More than 100 selection boxes have already been handed in along with 45 food hampers and up to 40 new toys.

Station Commander Mark Hudson said: "They have all got behind the campaign and everyone has mucked in.

"Some have been painting the station's static sleighs, where we have been storing the presents, while others have been out and about delivering the donations.

"We not only wanted to help people but also to show them their community really does care about them."

Solihull Council has donated hampers, superstore Makro gave £200 worth of mince pies and a lady from Cornwall even donated 50 selection boxes after reading about the appeal online.

Firefighters have already distributed 25 food hampers to the elderly and will be visiting food banks and hospitals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Mr Hudson said: "When we visit the elderly residents we also carry out a safe and well exercise.

"We check they are safe from fires, from falls and that they are eating healthily. We also fit smoke alarms for free.

"Our aim was to distribute the presents around the Cradley Heath, Old Hill and Halesowen area but we've been in contact with other stations now, asking them if they want to take some out in their communities.

"It now really covers the whole Dudley and Sandwell area.

"We have been overwhelmed with the donations from local businesses and the local community.

"We're still getting presents being handed in and it's really encouraging to see how well people have got behind this initiative.

"Even during these hard financial times people are still able to dig deep and find something."