The culmination of weeks of hard work will come together in Seaton today, when hundreds of tea boxes and goody bags will surprise residents old and young.

From 12pm today (December 19) volunteers will begin to deliver 515 tea boxes to older residents in Seaton, Camerton and Barepot.

From 1pm to 4pm hampers will be delivered to families who need a little bit of help at Christmas around the villages and with those hampers Workington Town Rugby League Football Club has donated toys for children under 16.

The volunteers - known as 'Team Seaton' have also distributed nearly 750 goodie bags to children in Seaton, Barepot and Camerton, with the last of those going out from the base at Methodist Chapel right now until noon.

For children that live in the villages that do not go to the schools and are collecting their good bags, there will be a chance to see Santa at the Methodist Chapel - though social distancing rules will apply - I am told he may pose for a socially distanced photograph and that children that already have their goody bags may glimpse Santa making his way up Causeway Road from around 12pm.

Team Seaton would like to thank everyone that has made this possible, including: Workington Town RLFC; JaiJos; Kowloon; Workington Reds; TDA; Dobies; Seaton Methodist Chapel; Friends of Seaton Academy PTA; The Village Hall and Seaton Food Distribution Centre; North Lakes Foodbank; BriMarg at Maryport; Marshall's Butchers at Workington; Pack Horse Football team; Seaton Rugby Club; Ali's Kitchen; Mike and Barbara Jordan; everyone that has donated something special for the hampers and many more.

The idea was suggested after the usual parties for pensioners and children at the Village Hall was not possible this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

Gill Brinicombe, from the Food and Distribution Centre said: "We couldn't do parties, so the decision was taken to do goodie bags to bring a bit of cheer and it's really taken off. It's absolutely taken off, there is usually about 80 at the party and there are 515 tea boxes.

"It all happens today and we are hopeful of happy people in the villages."

Each tea box and goody bag includes a bell to ring at 6pm on Christmas Eve, Gill added: "To enable people to join in with the world wide initiative of ringing in something good after all the bad, bringing everyone together again."