Kind hearted staff at Penryn-based autism charity Spectrum are helping to brighten up Christmas for hundreds of underprivileged children in West Cornwall for the third year in a row.

Last year more than 360 vulnerable children received a special gift to open on Christmas Day thanks to Spectrum, which provided the Camborne, Pool and Redruth FoodBank with the presents.

Don Gardner, founder of CPR FoodBank, said: “It’s difficult to imagine how hard life can be for families struggling to make ends meet, particularly at Christmas time. It is heartbreaking.

“Some of our volunteer drivers have come back in tears, too upset to deliver any more. One little boy told a volunteer he didn’t want a toy for Christmas, he just wanted a new coat. I’ve seen children’s eyes light up at the sight of chocolate coins.

“These children would have not a single present to open on Christmas Day if it wasn’t for Spectrum’s toy appeal. On behalf of these families, we are truly grateful.”

The food bank matches the presents to a list of children’s names and addresses, age and gender, provided by Cornwall Council.

Mary Simpson, chief executive of Spectrum, said: “Last year the outpouring of generosity from our staff was overwhelming and we’re delighted to be doing the same this year.

“If it wasn’t for these donations, many children would simply go without and Christmas would be just another day. Knowing the gifts we delivered – however large or small – will put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas is worth all the effort.”

The charity, which offers residential care, education and support for people with autism, will deliver a sleighful of presents to the foodbank just before Christmas. They will be handed out along with more than 1,000 Christmas meals to vulnerable families across the area.

Donations can be dropped off at Spectrum’s head office on Truro Hill, Penryn or Centenary Church in Camborne.

The CPR FoodBank was launched by Don six years ago and currently provides 10,000 meals each month to those in need. For more information visit cprfoodbank.co.uk. For information about Spectrum and its services, visit spectrumasd.org.