MPs and bosses are rallying round to rescue Christmas for people stung by the Farepak collapse.

Shipley MP Philip Davies and Keighley MP Ann Cryer have been working together to see what can be done to help people in the district left high and dry by the failed festive hamper firm.

Mr Davies, who was contacted by constituents who lost money, said: "I have been working with Ann Cryer on this to try to garner some support from local supermarkets.

"I worked for Asda for 11 years before I became an MP and have been working closely with Asda to see if anything can be done in conjunction with other supermarkets or banks or financial institutions to help people locally and further afield. I can't promise anything but I am doing my best and trying to explore the more possible options."

Mrs Cryer's staff launched an appeal this week after receiving dozens of calls from anxious Farepak customers.

They hope to replace as much as possible of the estimated £30,000 handed over to Farepak by people across the Keighley constituency.

Skipton Properties boss Brian Verity kicked off the £30,000 appeal with a £10,000 donation.

Other early responders included taxi firm Metro Keighley with £250 and the Leech and Thompson foundry with £100.

People are being urged to dig deep to help the estimated 90 families affected in the Keighley area.

They include many single parents and pensioners who had paid money to Farepak in return for vouchers to buy Christmas presents.

They are likely to lose everything - in many cases hundreds of pounds each - following the company's collapse into administration.

Mrs Cryer's assistant Mark Taylor said: "We expected a few people but we were inundated. A lot of the people are on low incomes.

"We are going to put a big declaration to the administrators on behalf of these customers but the chance of getting money back is probably nil.

"We can't leave people like this at Christmas. I think the town will rally round for people in need. We have a duty to help them out.

"These people have been doing the right thing for their children. They weren't spending money on booze and fags, they've been saving money for the kids."

An independent panel will distribute the money.

Jacqueline McCrudden, who was an agent with Farepak, lost hundreds of pounds when the company collapsed.

The 38-year-old mother-of-two and her 19 customers in the Bradford area had a total of £5,500 tied up in the company between them.

Miss McCrudden, of Great Horton, said: "I have sent off my claim but I have not heard anything from the company. I would be grateful if the supermarkets could help and I know my customers would be.

"One of my customers said they would be happy if someone donated a hamper."

The Keighley appeal is for money and shopping vouchers, not goods or presents.

Donations can be paid into Keighley Together's account at Lloyds TSB bank, sort code 30-91-12, account number 486091902.

Cheques made payable to Keighley Together or vouchers can be sent to Ann Cryer's office at 35 Devonshire Street or the Keighley News office at 80-86 North Street, Keighley, BD21 3AG.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk