Probation officers have gone on a shopping spree to bring festive cheer to the city's needy youngsters.

This is the 12th year the probation service has organised a secret santa with help from Bradford businesses and organisations to give the youngsters something to look forward to.

Probation officer Ralph Wickham said: "This year, we're helping about 70 children who we have identified as being the most needy.

"We are linked to hundreds of children through the work we do, but there are always those who stick in our mind, who we know would have nothing in their stocking if we weren't there to help.

"It's going to be a very happy Christmas for some children this year and we want to say thank you to everyone who will have helped."

A team of officers went shopping yesterday with £1,500 from charities and businesses who joined the venture.

Bradford's junior chamber of commerce, the Lions, Mothercare and Bradford Royal Infirmary's Haemotology Department were among Secret Santa's little helpers.

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