Vange has created its own Dickens' Christmas Carol - by raising nearly £1,000 for the family of a boy involved in a serious road accident.

Adam Puffett, six, is still in a wheelchair and having treatment at London's Great Ormond Street after he was knocked down outside his home in Glenmere, Vange, on October 1.

His four brothers and sisters say the best Christmas present has already arrived - having Adam home again.

The siblings were prepared to receive a gift of just a £5 note each on Christmas day from their parents, who are both unemployed.

Jo and Colin Puffett had been saving since January to buy Christmas presents for their five children, but had to use the money to pay for travelling expenses and other out-goings while Adam was in hospital for eight weeks.

Earlier this month, Adam's mum, Jo, said: "We're so lucky to have Adam. We could have been looking at his grave this Christmas."

Collection organiser and Vange councillor, Maureen Larkin, said it was felt the family had suffered a tough year and needed a Christmas to remember to lift all their spirits.

Adam himself has been feeling particularly frustrated at not being able to play with his friends and the road to recovery is proving a slow one for the plucky youngster.

The money was handed over to the Puffett family at the Barge Inn, High Road, Vange whose football team has donated £40 and regulars a further £100.

Other contributors include A&B Taxis who raised £200 with a raffle, £100 from Time Disco, Larkin Tyres contributed £40 and CDA media donated £50. Basildon Hackney Carriage drivers have also donated £100.

Mrs Larkin said: "I've been surprised at how kind everyone has been.

"We can give Adam a Christmas to remember. There's some very kind people out there. It's like a Christmas Carol in Vange."

Colin Puffett, 58, said: "We spent an arm and a leg going up to see Adam. It was like keeping two families.

"We've got a few Christmas decorations up in the kitchen but apart from that Christmas has been put on hold.

"Now we'll be able to get a tree and buy presents for all the children."

Generous gift - the various people who helped make Christmas special for Adam Puffett and his family

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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