A Bury business has shown its festive spirit by supporting a cause which delivers hundreds of presents to children in the borough.

The Salvation Army, which has a base Brookshaw Street, provided gifts to more than 500 children in Bury last year who would otherwise have gone without.

A church and charity, The Salvation Army expresses its Christian faith by "offering friendship, practical help and support to some of the most disadvantaged people in our communities".

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Financial Options Group, situated on Stoneholme Road in Walshaw, has donated £1,000 to The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Present Appeal.

It is the 13th year in a row the firm has contributed to the appeal and the financial support has been used to buy gifts for children whose families cannot put food on the table, heat their homes or pay their bills.

This year physical toy donations are down compared to last year as more people struggle to pay bills, but referrals to the appeal by schools and social services have gone up.

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Captain Cor van der Woude, church leader of The Salvation Army in Bury said: “We have seen an increase in the need for our support within the community and we are always here to see people through a time of crisis.

“Our Christian faith teaches us to serve others, serving without discrimination and giving love. “We’re big believers in transforming lives and support from the local community allows us to do that, putting our faith into action and be there when people need us the most.

“We are so grateful for organisations like Financial Options Group for supporting us so passionately and donating so much that will change lives and give people, families, children hope and joy.

“The local community and businesses working together is a display of warmth and compassion and is what the Christmas story inspires us to do.”

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Sarah Kendell, chartered financial adviser and head of charitable foundation at Financial Options Group, added: “We have an enormous amount of admiration for the dedication and hard work of The Salvation Army, and we are immensely proud to support the invaluable services they provide to vulnerable individuals in our local community.

“As a business, supporting the Salvation Army helps us to meet our aims to give back to the community while helping us to build a strong, people-centric company culture.

“Our foundation's mission is to help make lasting change in the community and we are fully confident that our ongoing donations to The Salvation Army will help us to fulfil that mission and create a positive impact, both now and in the future."