Landlady at popular Padiham pub launches festive food drive to make sure no-one in the borough goes hungry at Christmas

Moved by the work of Burnley's Church on Street, which has been delivering food and supplies to the numerous disadvantaged families across the borough throughout the pandemic, Toni-Anne Mortimer resolved to do her bit to help.

She has now launched a food collection at her pub, the Hare and Hounds, and is hoping the kind hearted people of Padiham will support her as they have done in the past, to raise £1,000 for charities close to the hearts of customers.

Toni-Anne said: "No-one expected covid and the situation we have found ourselves in. None of us had time to prepare and this has changed everyone's lives and outlook.

"People are going without food and the homeless numbers have risen.

"Christmas is a time for people to get together but this year a lot of people won't only go without seeing friends and family they could go without food."

Toni-Anne (32) took over the reins of the West Street hostelry in 2018. Her first ever pub, she described the role as 'life changing' and has made her mark in the community through her fundraising and a series of trips and outings she has organised for customers to several sporting events.

Toni-Anne runs the pub with her husband Lee and the couple have three children, Dainton (16) and 12-year-old Ruby. And six months ago they completed the family with the arrival of daughter Larosa.

Anyone who would like to help Toni-Anne's appeal is asked to leave tinned and non perishable food in the sheltered area at the rear of the pub in West Street, or you can get in touch with Toni-Anne on the pub's facebook page to arrange collection.

Toni-Anne added: "Everything is appreciated as everyone deserves to have a happy Christmas."

All the donations will be taken to St Matthew's Church in Burnley to be distributed to the homeless and needy on December 23rd.