Seaton Delaval pub holding annual Christmas appeal

Sharon Herron, landlady of The Keel Row at Seaton Delaval.

The Keel Row, in Seaton Delaval, is organising its Christmas paper angel appeal.

It is working with North Tyneside Council’s social services to get Christmas presents to disadvantaged children that may not receive anything for Christmas otherwise.

Children have coloured in a paper angel and labelled it with a wish to Santa, which have gone up on a tree in the pub.

Local residents are being invited to choose an angel, buy that gift and return to wrapped to the pub, with the corresponding angel attached.

Despite the ongoing pandemic and lockdown restrictions, the pub has continued the appeal this year with the tree and angels going up on November 20.

Anyone who purchases a gift is being reminded to drop the item off by December 9 to ensure it gets back to social services in a COVID-safe manner.

Sharon Herron, publican, said: “Last year we created 196 angels and the feedback we got from social services was so heart-warming.

"The children were so excited to receive what they had asked for, having no idea that their wish to Santa would come true.

"It is such a humbling experience, the kids don’t ask for a lot; things like pyjamas, chocolate and dolls.

"It just shows the little things in life we take for granted can be massive to a child who may not receive anything for Christmas.

"I’m so proud of the team and grateful to anyone who can support us.

"This is an especially hard year and the team and I are trying to spread a little kindness and want to ensure as many children as possible can have a special Christmas this year.”

For those unable to make it to the pub or wanting to support the appeal should visit the GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/26rad21j00