Santa’s little helpers have been out in force at NETA Training this week where staff have been doing their bit to brighten the Christmas of underprivileged children.

Donations of toys and cash piled in from staff and visitors of the Stockton-based training centre, which will now be delivered to children who may not otherwise have received anything this Christmas.

Collecting £2,600 worth of toys this year, NETA regularly supports the Ellen Timney Foundation in its efforts to help make Christmas special for sick and disadvantaged children in the North-east.

Plus a food collection for local food banks at NETA means this Christmas the team will know they helped serve up a festive treat to struggling families in the area.

Helping to organise the collection NETA’s Commercial Administrator Sue Campbell said: “The Ellen Timney Foundation is a charity that has grown close to the hearts of many staff members here at NETA.

“Working alongside the charity’s vice chairman, Rob Hardy, means that we are aware of the important work that they do all year round.

“This is our way of helping to make life just a little easier for needy children and their families here in Teesside at Christmas.”

Proud of the team’s generous efforts, NETA Managing Director Phil Blewitt said: “It’s really great to see everyone coming together to help those most in need at this time of year. Many thanks and well done to everyone involved.”

While Commercial Manager Graham Middleditch added: “Believe me, the photos don’t do justice to the amount of toys and food items that were collected as a result of all the staff’s kind donations.”

The Ellen Timney Foundation is a North-east charity that supports sick and underprivileged children across the region.

Jane Morgan, the charity’s chair and trustee, said: “A huge thank you to all at NETA from the Ellen Timney Foundation. There will be some extremely happy children on Christmas morning.”

This year NETA was given a helping hand from clients and delegates including DM Contractor Solutions who helped with collections throughout the year.