The Salvation Army in Keighley brought Christmas cheer to homes across the area this week.

Helped by hundreds of dedicated volunteers members delivered Christmas presents to children in Keighley and traditional festive dinners on Christmas Day.

The organisation also came to the help of the ministry of agriculture and social services by delivering presents donated by the Sugarcraft Club, in Skipton, to farms in North Yorkshire hit by the foot and mouth tragedy.

Members of Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club, which has developed a strong association with the Salvation Army, were among those wrapping up presents at the citadel in High Street.

President elect Pat Clark, who has helped out for the last three years, said: "You just feel you are doing something worthwhile and there is a great pleasure in looking for the right kind of toy for children of different ages.

"As a group it's a lot of fun and we derive a lot of pleasure from it."

Glenis Sanderson, whose family has helped with preparations for the last 10 years, said: "I always think that as a family we are so lucky to have a family and a good home.

"Christmas should not just be about stuffing your face, it should be thinking about other people not quite as lucky as yourself. It's an enjoyable thing to do and over the years we have made some good friends."

Kind-hearted members of the public donated almost 300 toys as part of a campaign run in conjunction with Boots, in the Airedale Centre.

Salvation Army members were up at the crack of dawn on Christmas Day to prepare 170 dinners in St Anne's Primary School kitchen.

They were then distributed to elderly and needy members of the community along with home made Christmas cards made by pupils at St Anne's.

Captain Alison Gardner said: "It is becoming much more of a community event and it wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our volunteers who are carrying out a whole lot of different roles. We have had great support from local shops, including Carta Sport, which donated £500. Sainsbury's donated £50 and Marks & Spencer donated wrapping paper.

"There were also donations from local churches and Nessfield Primary School, all of which were very gratefully received."