Nurses have praised the ‘amazing’ Hyndburn community after hundreds of Christmas presents were donated for elderly residents.

Members of the over-75 community nursing team said they have been left ‘overwhelmed’ by the support of residents, community groups, schools and businesses following an appeal last month.

Co-organiser Lisa Murray said they wanted to help as many pensioners as they can who are housebound or won’t have any family visiting on Christmas Day.

However Lisa, from Baxenden, said they never expected to receive so many donations and hailed the response as ‘amazing’.

She said: “It’s gone absolutely massive and far bigger than we ever thought.

“It has grown substantially with the primary schools, kids groups, care centres and local businesses getting involved.

“Everybody has been really generous and supportive with their donations and presents.

“We have got well over 600 at the moment and they are still coming in thick and fast. My boot and house are jam packed.

“It’s been a really incredible and fantastic community effort. We can’t thank everyone enough and shows people are thinking about the elderly this Christmas.

“We even had a 92 year old man bring in a present for someone who is old.”

Lisa, 39, who recently received the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse, said they are expecting more donations from the council and Market Hall later this week.

A Christmas card designed by pupils in Baxenden will be included with the presents which will be distributed shortly before Christmas Day.

Lisa said: “When we first had the idea a month ago we thought if we could get 50 or 100 presents then that would be great.

“The way it’s gone now we can encompass a lot more over 75s and those on their own.

“The Clinical Commissioning Group are giving us a day off to deliver the presents and surgeries themselves are also letting nursing staff, receptionists and GPs drop them off too.

“After the success we’ve had this year we want to make this an annual thing and we are hoping to spread slightly further afield as we’ve had places like Haslingden, Blackburn and Clitheroe asking to be included.”

The last date for donations is Sunday, December 6.

Drop off points around Hyndburn

ACCRINGTON
Accrington Stanley
Asda - PLEASE HAND IN AT CUSTOMER SERVICES.. TROLLEY HAS NOW GONE
Barclays Bank
Peel House - Accrington Pals, paradise street accrington
Comfort Call Homecare - 11-13 Dutton Street
Blackburn Road Medical Practice, Blackburn Road
Home wise
Simple Accounting - 4 Blackburn Road
Simply Gift - Accrington Market Hall
Carers Link
BBC - Oxford St
Barbara Kays

ALTHAM
Altham Primary School

BAXENDEN
Baxenden Pharmacy

BLACKBURN
Tesco Extra

CLAYTON LE MOORS
Wells pharmacy - Pickup Street
Optical Direct Burnley Road Clayton le moors BB55TW
Little Sparks Nursery
5 Super St Clayton Le Moors Accrington
BB5 5 ST

GREAT HARWOOD
The Royle Medical Practice - Great Harwood Health Centre
Elysium Community Centre
St. Johns primary GT HARWOOD

OSWALDTWISTLE
Millercare
Vampire Vape 204 Union Road Oswaldtwistle
Priory Rentals opposite Ossy mills

RISHTON
Rishton funeral directors - high street