EVERY homeless person in Worcester will receive a Christmas present this year after a Church appeal for gifts received a huge response.

People from Worcester, Pershore, Tewkesbury and Bromsgrove donated 275 shoboxes filled with goodies including sweets, toiletries, socks and gloves.

They were distributed among the organisations that support Worcester's homeless and isolated elderly people on Saturday and will be handed out on Christmas day.

People in need at St Paul's Hostel, Magg's Day Centre, Asha Women's Centre and the YMCA will all receive gifts thanks to the appeal organised by St Barnabas Church, Rainbow Hill, for the sixth year running.

Organiser Mary James said groups around the city had given terrific support and an article in the Worcester News had helped enormously.

She added: "We are really pleased that people have been so kind and giving."