HUNDREDS of the most needy children in Redditch will have a happier Christmas this year after a charity was given a vital cash boost by the Redditch Advertiser.

AOK (Acts of Kindness), which aims to alleviate poverty and hunger in Redditch, is set to receive a superb £5,000 courtesy of the Advertiser.

The cash is from an annual grant application scheme run by Newsquest Media Group, which owns the Advertiser.

The money will go towards the charity's Christmas Project and will see more than 330 children who would otherwise have nothing get a present to open this Christmas morning.

The project is able to provide in excess of £30 worth of toys and gifts to every boy and girl.

Robin Baker, from the charity, said: "The money is very welcome at this time of year. It's especially nice to have it now.

"330 needy children will get a brand new toy this Christmas which is wonderful news.

"We make sure no one is left out - every child will get a new toy, or toys, and they will be wrapped up ready to go under the tree."

The money will also go toward much needed food parcels and festive hampers for families in need.

AOK, set up seven years ago, works with a number of organisations to help support those in hardship or distress, the unemployed, ex-offenders and people in need to develop self respect.

It works primarily with Redditch Foodbank and has fed thousands of people by Redditch residents donating items through individual collections, harvest services, and the support of Tesco stores.

Mr Baker added: "In the last year alone we've fed more than 600 people, our busiest year yet and that number is only going up. Next year will be worse, it's a serious problem that shows no sign of getting any better.

"We never turn anyone away. Having things like this really helps."

Nationally Newsquest, one of the country’s biggest regional publishers, is handing out more than £300,000 this year, taking its charitable giving over the last 10 years to more than £3m.

Redditch Advertiser editor Peter John said: "We are delighted to be helping to make a difference to people’s lives, especially at this time of year.

"AOK is a wonderful charity that does wonderful work here in Redditch. We're glad we can help in its mission."

Simon Westrop, from Newsquest, added: “Experience has taught us that real benefits are more likely to be delivered by smaller, well-defined and well-targeted donations.

“So we tend to like simple things we can understand and which deliver obvious and immediate improvements to people’s lives.”