A funeral home has announced a new initiative to help make Christmas a little brighter for residents in need.

Co-op Funeralcare on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street is teaming up with charity Alternative Angels to help provide care packages to Swindon and Royal Wootton Bassett's most vulnerable residents this winter.

The new initiative comes in the wake of mass flooding which has destroyed homes and businesses and is encouraging local residents to drop off items such as hats, gloves, scarves and toiletries at the donation point inside Co-op Funeralcare.

These will then be distributed in care packages during Alternative Angel's free Christmas meal put on for struggling and homeless residents in Swindon.

Alternative Angels is a Swindon-based charity which supports locals facing homelessness, and this includes those living in temporary accommodations such as hotels or sofa-surfing.

With Storm Bert having submerged several homes and businesses in Wiltshire underwater, this is likely to include more people than previous years.

“The response from our local community so far has been wonderful and we’re incredibly grateful for every donation,"  said Rebecca Rixon, funeral arranger at Co-op Funeralcare in Royal Wootton Bassett.

“Christmas can be an especially difficult time for those experiencing homelessness, and by creating these care packages, we hope to offer some comfort and support.

"We hope to collate as many care packages as possible before Tuesday, December 10, and encourage anyone who can to stop by and make even a small donation."

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