THE financial pressures caused by the coronavirus pandemic on families have been well-documented.

The campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford to provide food for children who otherwise would have gone hungry in half term last week highlighted just how close to the breadline many households are - even those who work.

And with Christmas fast approaching on the horizon, there could be some difficult choices for families around the corner.

But one woman from Prudhoe has rallied the town to make sure no children in the area have to go without Christmas presents this year.

In April, the Hexham Courant launched a new campaign to recognise the achievements of people going above and beyond in to help out in their communities by awarding them the prize of bouquet of the week.

This week, the bearer of the crown is Angie Scott, who launched a campaign that has seen the people of Prudhoe come together and donate toys that will be gifted out to children whose parents may be struggling financially during these difficult times.

Angie, who is a mother and a Prudhoe town councillor, explained why she launched her appeal.

She said: "I've struggled myself at times when my kids were young and my husband wasn't working.

"I had my parents to turn to, but I would hate for somebody to be in that situation and have nobody to go to, to not even be able to give your children something at Christmas.

"It's working families that are struggling, with the furlough scheme. I thought people would be struggling and I've been in that situation, where you can't afford a lot of things.

"I think 'do I go and buy presents and miss a bill?' That's my concern, that people will get behind."

Angie has been assisted by fellow Prudhoe town councillor Brenda Grey, and the gifts will be distributed by social services.

Any left over will be given to the Hexham Baby Bank, which helps out families across Tynedale.

The Prudhoe community has rallied behind Angie's appeal, and she has been innundated with donations.

She continued: "I've been getting loads of stuff. This community has really pulled together so support the proect.

"I'm just amazed at the town. A man from Thompsons has donated loads, the Iron Lady has been really supportive, and the Prudhoe Youth Charity Shop gave us a lot of gifts.

"Everybody has helped - it's brand new items that people have donated."

The last of the collections were made on Wednesday - but Angie is unable to take anymore due to the lockdown restrictions imposed from today.

She added: "I did those collections yesterday and that's it - but I've got absolutely loads of presents."