ABOUT 3,000 children across Yorkshire whose families may be struggling to afford Christmas will receive classic children's books thanks to Rotary clubs.

Clubs across North and West Yorkshire have got together to make sure under-10s who may not be receiving many presents this year have a brighter Christmas.

Members bought more than 3,000 high-quality books which were handed to the Salvation Army at Rotary’s 75th anniversary conference at The Spa Complex in Scarborough.

Salvation Army representatives will now distribute the books.

John Phillip, Rotary District Governor and the brainchild behind the project, said: “The idea was to brighten up families’ Christmases a bit.

“Families will be feeling the pinch more than ever this year and as books are timeless and can be enjoyed again and again we thought they would make perfect presents.

“Rotary as an international organisation does a lot to promote literacy in communities at home and abroad, so the project seemed quite fitting.”

“It was a great experience for our members as well; they got to relive their childhood and delve into the imaginative world of children’s stories again.”