To Cumbria with love

SANTA cheer is on its way . . . Neil Greenwood wrapping presents with helpers

A COACHLOAD of Christmas cheer from kind-hearted Oldhamers is winging its way to devastated flood-hit Cumbrian families today.

An amazing 400 Christmas presents have been donated by people and businesses across Oldham following an appeal by Neil Greenwood, DJ at the White Hart in Saddleworth.

The gifts have been collected by Swans Coaches and were being delivered to Appleby-in-Westmorland this afternoon.

Generous Oldham firms had planned to organise a spectacular Christmas Day meal at the George Tavern and overnight stay at the White Hart for up to 31 Appleby residents. But the market town was flooded for the second time on Tuesday. Appleby residents have offered to take in affected families and the Oldham trip called off.

Bill Collinson of Appleby Rotary Club said: “The offer of Christmas Day lunch and stay was absolutely stunning. The presents from Oldham couldn’t have come at a better time because we’re organising a big Christmas party in the town hall. This means everyone will have something to open on Christmas Day.

“There’s an atmosphere of grim determination at the minute, especially as there is rain forecast until Boxing Day.”

Neil Greenwood, who raised another £675 with a fund-raising internet page, said: “It’s a shame we couldn’t host the Appleby residents, but in a way this is a better result. The generosity of people has been fantastic. It makes me proud to be an Oldhamer.”

The White Hart will still play host to one couple from Appleby who lost both their home and their businesses in the floods.

Charles Brierley, owner of the White Hart, said: “I have asked them if they’d like to come and stay for a couple of days after Christmas. They might not have Christmas Day with us, but they can at least enjoy a longer break.”