I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of your readers who supported Barnardo's in the North through 2020, a year like no other.

Our shops closed, they asked when they would open, they opened and they returned with their donations and custom.

This was a huge boost to the charity as all of the proceeds from our shops in any area go towards supporting children and families.

Throughout the year the support shown to our services by the local communities was truly humbling.

During the run-up to Christmas, again at a time when everyone was and is suffering in some way due to the pandemic, the generosity shown by individuals and local companies has been amazing, from supplying food parcels to gift tokens and offers of support.

I would like to extend a special thanks to all of our volunteers who have returned to the charity whenever they could. Their support is simply invaluable.

A very sincere thank you - and we hope to see you all in 2021.

Steve Oversby, Director Barnardo's North Region