Islanders have been praised for their generosity following this year's Care 4 Christmas appeal.

The charity has been going for more than 20 years and gives out food and gifts across Sheppey. It also serves up annual Christmas Day and Boxing Day meals at Community Church Sheppey in Broadway, Sheerness.

A total of 112 hampers were sent to needy families and more than 300 gifts were given out, 87 to women, 44 to men, 94 to boys and 80 to girls. A number of homes also received a top-up for their gas and electric.

Twenty five people attended the Christmas Day meal and 32 on Boxing Day.

Each of the guests received a gift and a small hamper of food to takeaway, and five meals were taken to homes of those who were too ill or vulnerable to go out.

During the five days leading up to Christmas, about 10 volunteers went to the church to wrap presents and make hampers.

The 22 volunteers on Christmas Day and 17 on Boxing Day were also thanked for their efforts.

One of the organisers, Marie Piper said the campaign had a successful year – with 43 more hampers handed out than last year.

"It's heartbreaking to think there are more needy families on the Island, but heartwarming at the same time to think we could help," she said.

"I'd like to say a special thanks to all the volunteers. They were willing to do anything and everything.

"We had one lady, Edna, who is 92, mucking in on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. She never sat down once – washing up, tidying up, keeping the kitchen going. She had so much energy.

"They were all great and we wouldn’t be able to do this each year without them all."

Marie also thanked the Community Church Sheppey for the use of its hall, as well as Sheppey College and all the schools and businesses that donated food or money.

The campaign, also led by Betty Boswell, Carol Wraight and Liz Roberts, will return next Christmas and Marie said "it doesn't show any sign of not being needed".

Anyone who would like help should visit the Care 4 Christmas on Sheppey Facebook page.