Secret Santa set up for struggling families

Jess and Laurie Gardener said the idea started as "a simple box in our shop"

A couple from Cornwall are hoping to bring some Christmas cheer to people struggling financially.

Jess and Laurie Gardener, travel agents from Newquay, have launched a Secret Santa campaign that allows people to send gifts or food to loved ones if they cannot afford it.

About 40 families in the town have received unexpected gifts through the campaign, they said.

Mr Gardener said the campaign "snowballed" after word started to spread.

About 40 families have received unexpected gifts through the campaign

Gift request forms have been distributed to businesses and schools in the area and the form is also available online.

The couple said they used their own money to buy the first batch of presents but they were now accepting donations to buy more.

Mr Gardener said the idea started as "a simple box in our shop".

"The word started to spread and people were happy to put it in shops, cafes and schools," he said.

"It's just snowballed and gone crazy now. It's really good."

Gift request forms have been distributed to businesses and schools in the area

The form asks what people would like to request and if the present is for a child. It also asks if the recipient of gifts of food have any allergies.

Mrs Gardener said they just wanted to spread some Christmas cheer.

"The reality is there are a lot of families that are struggling," she said.

"If we can just help just one more child have a present under the tree we will do everything in our power to help."