AN amazing group of people in the Taunton area have shown tremendous Christmas spirit to ensure 300 children will get Christmas presents after all.

Natalie Dyson, chairman and founder of Coronavirus Community Help Taunton, has organised for the youngsters to receive gifts this festive season.

The 100 children from 12 primary schools and 200 from one secondary school who are on the free school meals list might otherwise have gone without.

Spurred into action by the hardships many people are experiencing during the pandemic, Natalie worked with Lindsey Clark and Elaine Duley at two of the schools and district councillor Caroline Ellis to appeal for donations.

"The response has been unprecedented," said Natalie.

"We have had financial donations, people dropping gifts off at Lakeland, the vicarage in Kingston St Mary and Quantock Pet and Equine.

"Taunton School and Queen's College both supported us, and local supermarkets such as Morrisons, Bookers, Tesco and Sainsbury's have helped too.

"Local businesses from Taunton Independent Quarter (The Little Wine Shop, World of Bears, Belle Boudoir), Taunton Independent Market, Goddards Garage, Portt and Co Accountants, The Mango Tree, Reds Hair Salon, Chefs Country Cuisine are among some of the wonderful local businesses who have supported our cause.

"The amount of gifts we have wrapped is truly staggering."

Natalie has been all over Taunton co-ordinating collections and organising a team of 23 women who have wrapped more than 1,000 gifts between them.

She added: "I am humbled by the support of our local community.

"In this year, more than ever, how people have pulled together and been so generous when many of them have suffered financially is truly touching.

"I am proud to live among such kind-hearted people."

The children will receive their goodies early next week.