PEOPLE in the Dudley borough can spread some festive cheer this Christmas by donating gifts for young people who are leaving the care system.

Dudley Council has run the campaign for the last four years, sharing hundreds of gifts with care-experienced young people to brighten up their Christmases.

Residents who wish to donate can buy a gift from an online Amazon wishlist, which will then be included in a hamper for distribution to a young person who has just left the care system.

Donations can also be made for children and young people who are still in care. Gifts can include confectionary, perfume, toiletries and clothing.

The wishlist can be accessed here via Amazon.

Councillor David Stanley, Dudley Council's cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: "Care-experienced young people are often very vulnerable and do not always have the support of their family after they have left care. Unfortunately, this can make Christmas a difficult and lonely time.

"Our Christmas wish list campaign was a great success last year and we received some wonderful feedback on how much the presents meant to our young people. The generosity shown by residents across the borough has been overwhelming.

"Gifts on the wish list start from just over £1 and I know they will all be very gratefully received."

When buying gifts, people are advised to choose the gift registry address on the delivery page, which allows the items to be delivered straight to the council for distribution.

Gifts can also be dropped off at the Stourbridge Family Centre.