Members of Bridport Round Table are hoping to raise thousands of pounds in order to spread some joy to local families this Christmas.

The group has launched a Christmas Joy Campaign and a crowdfunder in order to raise £5,000 to make and deliver Christmas parcels to families in Bridport and Beaminster.

A spokesman for Bridport Round table said: "This has been an incredibly hard year for all of us, but some have suffered more than most. As we edge closer to Christmas, there is potentially worse to come, as more people are at risk of losing their livelihoods.

"This is usually the happiest time of the year for families and communities, but this year will be different – there is no escaping that.

"Whilst we cannot make Covid-19 go away, we believe that we can join together to help those in need, taking away at least some of the stress and anxiety that might be affecting them, and perhaps even bring a little bit of joy to our friends and neighbours."

The idea is to raise as much money as possible to package up and distribute Christmas food parcels to families in the Bridport and Beaminster area, but it is not for emergency provision.

The parcels will contain all the necessary ingredients for a Christmas dinner for a family of four, including a whole fresh turkey with all the trimmings – locally sourced – cheese, biscuits and chutney, Christmas pudding, a yule log and "enough sweets and chocolates to comfortably last the Christmas period".

All products will be sourced through Bridport Round Table's extensive local network, at cost price wherever possible. Kind donations from local businesses will also help the money go further.

The goal is to raise £5,000, which will enable the group to make enough parcels for around 100 to 110 families. The 'stretch target' is £10,000 and anything raised over the initial target will be donated to Cupboard Love Food Bank and Beaminster Food Bank.

"Every penny counts! We live in a wonderful part of the world, but people are suffering – our neighbours and friends are suffering and need your help. Please be generous and help give a little bit of joy this Christmas."

To donate to the campaign, click here.