Over 5,000 people donated to a charity in Harpenden helping people in need over Christmas, to raise a record sum of £35,082.

The Harpenden Trust was set up 65 years ago, and is dedicated to bringing help to Harpenden families and individuals suffering financial hardship.

This help is given in many ways, with grants towards payment of utility bills, provision of food vouchers and children’s school clothing, Christmas parcels, twice weekly free coffee mornings, furniture and assistance on school curriculum-related trips.

The money raised in December will provide more than 40% of the £92,000 the trust expects to spend on needy families and individuals over the next 12 months, before any day-to-day costs.

Graham Westwell, chairman of The Harpenden Trust and Christmas appeal, said: "This was a superb result and we are delighted.

"The appeal is heavily reliant on the collectors. In all weathers more than 200 drop off an envelope at almost every house in Harpenden and then collect them, sometimes making two or more visits. Some roads are still without collectors: if you would like to help fill the gaps please contact the Trust office on 01582 460457.

"Together, volunteers and residents, in a very big way, are putting something back into their community."