Santa's little helper has gifts for 1,000 children

Charity founder Jules Armstrong said the public donations have been "amazing"

A charity founder has said stories of struggling families bring her to tears each year but also inspires her to deliver thousands of presents.

Jules Armstrong from A Child's Heart has collected sacks full of gifts, aiming to give 1,146 Staffordshire children presents to open on Christmas morning.

She said the number of children in need has grown in recent years, but she has kept up with demand thanks to donors, volunteers and local businesses.

"Unfortunately, I get to hear all their stories," she explained, "I spend about six weeks crying every year, but it just makes it worth it."

Ms Armstrong has planned to make deliveries right up until Christmas Eve and welcomes more donations until then.

"On Christmas Day when I wake up, when I have my kids and grand-kids, I think more about all those other kids and what they're going to have - they're going to have a nice day," she smiled.

A Child's Heart aims to remind children in care homes, shelters and refuges that they have not been forgotten, especially at "the most magical time of year."

The charity has a core team of just four people, so Ms Armstrong wanted to thank the extended "fabulous team of elves" that have sourced, wrapped and delivered the presents.

"Without all their help we really couldn't do it," she acknowledged.

Family hubs across the county have acted as makeshift grottoes to collect and wrap the thousands of gifts.

Mark Sutton, cabinet member for children at Staffordshire County Council, thanked A Child's Heart for the work they have done over the festive period.

"There's lots of families around the county that we work with through the family hubs who have difficult choices to make at Christmas," he said.

"Who would want any child to wake up on Christmas morning without a bag of Christmas presents?"

Mr Sutton invited families to get involved in their local family hub to receive support, services and guidance all year round.