PICKMERE residents rallied to give gifts to the homeless and hungry this Christmas, in what was described as ‘overwhelming kindness’.

Working in conjunction with Gary Byrne, manager of The Red Lion in the village, Pickmere Community Group invited residents to take a gift label from a ‘Giving Tree’ set up in the pub in Pickmere Lane.

They were asked to return the label attached to a wrapped Christmas present which the Salvation Army could distribute to those in need.

The scheme caught the attention of the whole Pickmere community who responded with heart-warming generosity.

Gifts donated ranged from practical items such as warm clothing to seasonal edible treats, that to the recipients would be unaffordable luxuries.

Just prior to Christmas, the Salvation Army commanding officer, Captain Rebecca Ward, was invited to the Red Lion to meet members of the Pickmere Community Group and Gary Byrne and to collect all the presents.

Captain Ward said: “I am completely overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by the Pickmere community.

“We are grateful to the organisers and to all those who donated in support of our Christmas appeal to help the homeless and the hungry in Northwich, Knutsford and surrounding areas.

“These gifts will make a real difference to the less fortunate members of our community.”