A CHARITY worker says he is delighted by the generosity of people in Harwich and Dovercourt who he says have helped to give 37 families living in the area a better Christmas.

Captain Barrie Sampson helped to launch the annual Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal last month.

The appeal, which has been running for three years, donates Christmas gifts to disadvantaged families and came to a close on Monday.

The gifts will now be given to children and families throughout Harwich, Dovercourt and Manningtree through the Salvation Army’s networks, groups in the area and social services.