With all the stories about the political correctness of Christmas dominating the headlines, it is refreshing to hear a story that embodies the true meaning of the festive period.

The charity Eighteen and Under received a call recently from a lady who remembered a story she saw last year in the Courier and Evening Telegraph about the support the charity gives to children who have been abused in some way. Twelve months on, with the idea fresh in her mind, she was calling to say she was buying some gifts to give to the children this year.

True to her word, she came to the door today with three bags full of new toys and games.

She wouldn’t give her name or address, just simply wanted to help make Christmas a little better for some troubled children.

Laurie Matthew coordinator of Eighteen And Under said, ‘This selfless act of giving means such a lot to us. We know of some families who will really appreciate this lady’s generosity and on their behalf we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks.’

Eighteen And Under offers free and confidential information and support to young people, aged 18 and under who have experienced any kind of abuse. This can range from bullying to domestic violence and sexual abuse. They also run personal safety and abuse prevention programmes for young people of all ages, senior citizens and other vulnerable adults.

For more information about the charity visit www.18u.org.uk or www.violenceispreventable.org.uk.