Maldon District Council's offices are open for residents to donate any food they can this Christmas.

The Maldon food pantry Christmas appeal is open throughout the weekend.

The council is inviting residents to donate festive food to be distributed as food parcels to those in need.

Henry Bass, chairman of Maldon District Council, said: "This will be the fourth year that the Council has supported the Maldon food pantry and I am delighted that we will be helping them again this year.

"I hope that the local community will join us in donating festive themed goods such as Christmas crackers, Christmas cake or pudding, mince pies, biscuits, jelly, custard, tinned ham and any kind of chocolate or sweets."

In addition to this, items such as nappies, tuna and coffee are always in short supply and would be welcome.

The council offices in Princes Road will act as a collection point for festive food items until Tuesday 11 December.

The offices are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 5pm and Fridays 8.30am until 4.30pm.