Bradford companies were today urged to show they care this Christmas by donating presents to children and elderly people in need.

Firms keen to get involved and help out for the festive season are being invited to join a campaign run by Bradford Cares.

The organisation has contacted dozens of community groups in the district which have people young and old who otherwise might miss out on presents this Christmas.

Today business co-ordinator Kathryn Jones said it was a great chance for firms to reach out into the community.

"It is an easy way for businesses to get involved and have a big impact on their community," she said.

Companies taking part in its Cares at Christmas campaign are encouraged to ask their employees to buy extra Christmas presents which are then distributed to community groups near to where the business is based.

"We find out what the groups' needs are and then try to match them with what businesses are able to offer," she said.

"It gives the firms the chance to build relationships with community groups and employees to get involved by buying the presents."

The scheme traditionally attracts a lot of support from companies and major firms, including Yorkshire Water, Telegraph & Argus, Bradford College, the University of Bradford, Barclays and the Inland Revenue.

The Bradford District Care Trust has already pledged to put together goodie bags for youngsters who go to the Farcliffe Family Centre.

Any firms interested in taking part in the scheme should contact Kathryn on 0113 205 8200. The deadline for registering an interest is November 17.