A CAMPAIGN started by a Prudhoe hairdresser delivered more than 1,000 Christmas presents to children.

Katie Denton, of Sophistikaty's Hair and Beauty, launched the Christmas Angel Project in collaboration with Action for Children.

Action for Children protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support when it is most needed.

Forty-seven local businesses pledged their support to the worthy cause, which has now seen 1,122 presents delivered to children in need this Christmas.

Monetary donations were also received from Essity, with the Swedish branch sending gifts, and Thompsons of Prudhoe. The money was used to go towards Christmas dinners or to help with rising costs for families.

"I'm completely and totally overwhelmed by the generosity", said Katie, who took over the former Reflections site on Prudhoe Front Street earlier this year after starting her career there as a junior. "I didn't doubt for a second that people would be generous but I never expected the response we got.

"I'm proud - while it's something small in comparision to what they go through on a daily basis - to know that they were going to wake up to a Christmas present which might just make them smile and know that they are loved.

"If you can make a difference, it's all you can do."

Businesses put angels on their Christmas trees, each with a gender and age of a child on it. Gifts included clothes, toys and beauty products.

Earlier this year, Sophistikaty's was recognised by MP Guy Opperman with a Small Business Award as nominated by the local community.

Mr Opperman said: "I was delighted to hear the amazing story about how Katie had been an apprentice at the business and has now become the owner, employing many local people and offering a wide range of services."

Katie hopes to run the campaign again in 2023 and is looking at ways to support the charity all-year round with plans for an Easter and summer collection.