Popular landlady's festive food drive to make sure no-one in Burnley and Padiham went without is here to stay

And Toni-Anne Mortimer has said she would like to make the food collection permanent at her pub, the Hare and Hounds in Padiham.

She said: "The amount of food donated was huge and we still have people dropping items off so I would like to thank everyone who made a donation and also make this a permanent thing as people are in need all the time and not just at Christmas.

"And I am always happy to help others."

Toni-Anne launched the drive after being 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 before and during the pandemic.

She launched a food collection at the pub and the kind hearted residents of Padiham did not let her down, donating stacks of food, drink, treats and goodies.

Toni-Anne, who has raised £1,000 for charities close to the hearts of customers since she took over the reins of the pub in 2018, was bowled over by the response from residents.

She added: "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."

Toni-Anne (32) 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.

She 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.