More than 100 hampers were given to families across Great Yarmouth in the runup to Christmas.

For the third year in a row, hampers containing Christmas goods such as mince pies as well as store cupboard essentials were put together by Better Together.

Run by Voluntary Norfolk, the service helps people struggling with loneliness and social isolation. 

Over 100 hampers were collected from the Kingsgate Community Church on Queen Anne's Road or were delivered by the Better Together staff members directly to people who found it difficult to get out.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The hampers contained everything from festive foods, like mince pies to store cupboard essentials like pasta and soups. Picture - Voluntary NorfolkThe hampers contained everything from festive foods, like mince pies to store cupboard essentials like pasta and soups. Picture - Voluntary Norfolk (Image: Voluntary Norfolk)John McBride, a Better Together Life connector, helped organise the project on behalf of Voluntary Norfolk.

He said: “It’s lovely to see the team get into the Christmas spirit and come together to put together these hampers.

"I know these boxes will have added considerable Christmas cheer to everyone who received them.

"As ever, we are humbled and indebted to all those who have helped with this effort, especially those who have volunteered their time to make this happen.

“We really enjoyed seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they got their Christmas hampers.”

READ MORE: Hundreds celebrate with Christmas stockings in Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Local volunteers have also been involved in getting the boxes ready to be distributed. Picture - Voluntary NorfolkLocal volunteers have also been involved in getting the boxes ready to be distributed. Picture - Voluntary Norfolk (Image: Voluntary Norfolk)Argos in Great Yarmouth donated £500, which was spent on items to fill the boxes, the community cooperative fund donated £50 in vouchers, and Bookers helped supply food and provided a discount.

The community church also allowed the Better Together team to assemble and store the hampers.

The Christmas hamper initiative comes as Voluntary Norfolk appealed for more 'winter heroes' earlier in December.

Volunteers are being sought to make sure people are not lonely and get the support they need over the festive period.

Volunteers can help ease the winter pressure on hospitals and social services by checking up on neighbours and doing basic tasks, like making sure smoke and fire alarms are working, picking up groceries or prescriptions, providing a bit of company or walking the dog.

To sign up and to find out more, visit www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/register-to-volunteer or call 01603 614474.