A care worker with a heart of gold has collected 500 gifts to give out to needy families this Christmas.

Clare Harwood, 27, of Holmfirth, won Huddersfield hearts last year when she found herself with 250 presents – and no one to give them to.

This year she has been better prepared and despite having double the amount of presents says they will all be going to delighted families.

Clare said: “I put my appeal out in November on Facebook but didn’t start getting any until December when it really took off. The gifts have come from friends and family as well as friends of friends.

“I never thought I would get 500. I put them all in my attic but now they are ready to be dispatched and I’ll finally get my living room back.

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“I’ve been given all kinds of presents for children of all ages from babies to 16-year-olds, teddies to board games.

“Many of the presents will be heading to the Methodist Church in Golcar where under-privileged families gather for their Christmas dinner.

“Others will go to the Women’s Institute in Calderdale and a few to families who have been recommended to me by children’s centres.”

Heartbreakingly, some are going to four young children in Halifax who have lost their mum.

Clare added: “I just started doing it last year and I wanted to do it again.”

Clare Harwood amongst some of the 400 presents for needy children which she has collected for sending out at christmas.

Last year Clare wanted to donate her gifts to the Secret Santa Toy Appeal run by West Yorkshire radio station Pulse FM but missed the deadline for collection.

The appeal is run by the Junior Chamber International in Bradford which was glad to help this time.

Community director Michelle Pemberton said: “Clare’s ability to rally support from friends and family as well as using social media is simply amazing.

“Collecting over 500 gifts single-handedly is an outstanding achievement.”

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