KIND-HEARTED Sylvia Langham is appealing for food and other festive treats to fill Christmas hampers to be donated to needy pensioners.

The 54-year-old, of Penhill, aims to put together up to 12 quality hampers containing items such as Christmas puddings, mince pies, chocolates, drinks and toiletries.

“I just want to see that smile on their faces and to know they’ve got these goods and they aren’t going to be without, they’re going to have a nice Christmas just like I am,” she said.

The mother-of-two, who is a co-founder of the charity St Helena Friends United, normally fundraises to support people on the South Atlantic island or to provide grants for local causes.

But she launched the hamper appeal about two weeks ago in a bid to do something for elderly people in her own community.

The appeal has so far attracted a £250 cheque from BMW, £250 from Sylvia’s own charity, and a £10 gift voucher from Tesco, which will all be spent on buying items.

Sylvia, who is the head chef at Sainsbury’s in Stratton, has also put a donations box in the supermarket’s staff canteen, which is quickly filling up.

The deadline for donations is Friday and the boxes will be distributed on December 20.

To donate call 01793 703019 or 07950 839642, or email sthelenafriendsunited@fsmail.co.

uk.