Ref. 28416-63ALMOST 100 Christmas gifts have been shared among local charities, thanks to the generosity of shoppers.

The Brunel Centre invited visitors to buy gifts for its Giving Tree appeal and was delighted with the result.

Those gifts have now been distributed to the Welcome Centre in Park North, the West Swindon Family And Community Project, the North Swindon Family Centre, Walcot Family Centre, Home Start Swindon, the Wiltshire House Hostel For Girls and Stepping Forward.

All the groups have clients who are young and often needy.

In some cases, those helped are homeless.

Several of the charities also work with local families, including ones in which the parents are young and need special advice and support.

Brunel Centre marketing manager Pip Laycock said: "We have been amazed by the level of support that this community event has been given and we would like to thank everyone who has bought a gift for the Giving Tree.

"All the gifts are going to very worthy homes.

"We are very pleased to be able to support our local community in this way.

"We intend to make the Giving Tree an annual event.

"Hopefully, next year's tree will be even more successful."