POLICE officers and staff have donated hundreds of presents to victims of abuse and families in need this Christmas.

The gifts have been collected at police stations around the county and will be distributed to refuges and charities across North Yorkshire and the City of York over the Christmas period .

The Christmas collection was organised by staff from the force’s Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit for the fourth year in a row.

Detective Constable Lee Featherstone, who organised the collection, said: "I have worked in communities and with vulnerable people for over 20 years and it’s very sad to see people suffer through no fault of their own and who have no control over their situation, particularly at this time of year.

"The festive season can be especially difficult for children and adults who have been effected by crime and they can often find themselves in desperate situations. In many cases, victims are forced to flee their homes leaving everything behind. We hope the gifts go some way to make the festive season a little better for people in these situations."

DC Featherstone thanked everyone who donated at collection points in Northallerton, Harrogate, York, Scarborough and Newby Wiske.