A SECRET Santa initiative has begun in Cumbria to help those less fortunate at Christmas join in with the festive fun.

The scheme seeks to gather gift donations then distribute them to nominated Cumbrians in need of some Christmas cheer.

So far there have been 312 nominations for gifts for people from all over the county; 55 out of the 312 are pensioners either home alone or in care homes.

The organisers have nominations in from multiple charities and children’s services. All requests for help are anonymous.

When asked how the initiative started, ‘Santa’ - who wanted to remain anonymous - said: “This all started five days before Christmas Eve last year.

"A close friend had a breakdown to me about the fact she was struggling for Christmas since her partner had passed away… I decided to put a status on seeing if we could raise a few toys for her. It went crazy with new and second hand items.

“I approached [a friend] who was making Christmas dinners and asked if I could get the children on her list a gift.

“Then I put a status up for anyone else struggling. Northern Competitions donated a £500 Smyth’s toy voucher, and other businesses and members of the community donated.

“From this, 96 children got multiple presents. Their pets got food that we had donated. Their parents all got a gift, and we gifted to pensioners in care homes or home alone.”

A number of charity activities for this year’s appeal began in October which included a table-top sale, pencil portrait raffles and a charity evening.

The next event is a Santa’s grotto and table-top sale on December 11 from 4pm-7pm at the Moorclose Community Centre in Workington.

A spokesman for Secret Santa said: “It’s extremely important all year around to take a step back to consider people’s circumstances, but Christmas time especially, is a time where everyone questions if they’ve doing enough.

“We tell children that Santa brings all gifts. What about the little girl or boy who’s always so polite, works hard in school and really deserves a brilliant Christmas? What happens if their parents are struggling? They think Santa doesn’t care.

"It’s a thought I can’t cope with.

“Or a pensioner, sat in a care home watching everyone else open gifts from their families, but they have none? Or sat at home alone feeling forgotten? It breaks my heart.

“I’d personally like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who donates in any way, whether gifts, funds, raffle prizes or, their time. Your help is irreplaceable and massively appreciated.

"Without you all, none of this would be possible. I, for one, am proud to be Cumbrian.”

To get involved in the scheme or find out more you can visit Secret Santa Cumbria on Facebook.