Firefighters teamed up with the mayor and deputy mayor of Huntingdon to deliver some festive cheer to children and families on Christmas Eve.

Mayor, Bill Hensley, and deputy mayor, Darryl Brown, joined staff from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service to help distribute the proceeds of The Christmas Gift Appeal, organised by Huntingdon Fire Station.

They visited children and their families at Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s Holly Ward to deliver gifts before heading to Coneygear Court, which provides temporary accommodation for homeless families.

Huntingdon’s station commander, Per Middleton, said: “It’s lovely to see these children, give them gifts and see smiles on their faces just before Christmas.

“Working in the community is a very important part of what we do at the fire service and that comes in many shapes and forms, so we’re very happy at this time of year to be able to spread some happiness. We would like to thank everyone, including the mayor, for their generous donations.”

Liz Webb, play specialist at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, added: “It’s been wonderful having the fire service and mayor here. They’ve really brought the Christmas spirit with them, which has been really nice for our patients and has cheered them up.”