A CHARITABLE couple have encouraged more parents to help those less fortunate this Christmas

Ashley Ahearn, 22, and Ben Clements, 28, had their first child together, Alfie, in July.

Instead of splashing out on toys or clothing for little Alfie the couple, who live in Trotters Field in Braintree, decided to create a food parcel for donation to the Braintree Area Foodbank.

Ashley said: "We want to teach him how lucky and fortunate he is to have a loving family home and lots of support around him.

"Last year when I was pregnant we did the shoebox appeal and this year we are donating to a local food bank in the hopes to help a family and people in need.

"I shared it up on my personal page and got over 100 likes, I then shared it on a mums help and ask page on Facebook this got over 850 likes in less than a day - and it's growing more by the hour."

The couple spent just £10 on their food parcel, but managed to get a huge selection of essentials and even some festive treats in time for Christmas.

They are hoping that more people will follow suit and help the foodbank have a bumper festive period for donations.

Ashley said: "Around 30 or 40 people have said they are going to do this with their children too.

"The response has been over whelming and to think it started with our £10 food box and could end up with 40.

" I hope this sends a little bit of Christmas cheer and help out to spread the message."

Donations can be made to the Braintree Area Foodbank at St Andrews Church, Halstead, on Monday's.

For more information about the foodbank's Christmas appeal, visit: www.braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk.