Dereham Salvation Army had a packed programme of activites and commitments over Christmas from the band playing at carol concerts to packing boxes for its Toys and Tins Appeal.

Dereham Times: Dereham Salvation Army's production line for packing Christmas food parcels. Picture: Trevor TheobaldDereham Salvation Army's production line for packing Christmas food parcels. Picture: Trevor Theobald (Image: Trevor Theobald)

This year 216 Christmas food parcels were distributed and 192 bags filled with toys for children, families and lonely people in need.

It is all made possible because of generous donations through the year and from carolling collections.

Major Loes Palmer, commanding officer of Dereham corps thanked the public for its support. 'I know I say this every year but we were overwhelmed by the generosity of people who gave selflessly so that those less fortunate than ourselves could enjoy something a little special at Christmas.'

On Christmas Day guests who might otherwise be on their own on were welcomed to a full Christmas dinner followed by seasonal entertainment.

The Dereham Corps would like to acknowledge those who donated to collections in Morrisons and Tesco in Dereham, Watton and Swaffham as well as:

Dereham Foodbank, Dereham Relief in Need charity, The Co-op Supermarket in Dereham, NationWide Dereham, NatWest Dereham, Premier Travel Dereham, Dereham ll Lodge, Union of Catholic Mothers Dereham, Northgate High School, St Nicholas parish church, Dereham Baptist Church and Welbourne Parish Church.

A spokesman said: 'It is important that these contributors are acknowledged publicly for it demonstrates that Dereham is a caring community and acknowledges its desire to support those who are maybe less fortunate than ourselves.

'Without all of this generosity we would not be able to do what we do.'