NEARLY 30 families living below the poverty line are to receive special Christmas hampers or other gifts, put together by local churches.

Members of Harvest Church, Alton, and Church of the Good Shepherd, Four Marks, which run the Alton CAP Debt Centre in partnership with national charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP), have been supported by Alton Lions and the Bordon Liphook Haslemere Charity, which have provided supermarket vouchers.

Andrew Lawrence, leader of Harvest Church, said: “We know there is a serious need among some of the people in our community. It’s really tough living on a low income and it’s a huge privilege to be able to lighten the load a little.

“Anyone in crisis, can get in touch at capuk.org, or call 0800 328 0006.”