HIGH Wycombe Lions Club has been busy stuffing dozens of bags with Christmas cheer in time for the usual festive deliveries.

More than 300 food parcels will go to elderly or disabled people who have difficulty getting to the shops. Others will go to single parents and families whose income limits the Yuletide food they can afford.

The club has spent recent weekends with their Father Christmas float, collecting money for the parcels outside various supermarkets.

Last Sunday, club members met at Broomwade Sports and Social club in Hughenden to make up the bags.

Bob Gerhardt, president of the Lions,said: "This is one of the most satisfying things we do. It involves the club in a lot of work, but the thanks we get from people who receive the parcels make it all worthwhile. Some of their letters bring tears to your eyes."

From December 15, the Lions will tour around town with Father Christmas on their float to raise money for charities they support throughout the year. These include the Friends of Penn School, Wycombe Hospital Stroke Group, Bucks Search and Rescue, the XP-Support Group and Friends of Maplewood School.

Mr Gerhardt said: "I would like to thank the people of High Wycombe and Marlow for their continuing support. Your generosity makes it possible for us to support these charities and to help people in need. We couldn't do it without you many thanks and a very merry Christmas to you all from High Wycombe Lions Club."