Hundreds of people in need this Christmas have received hampers and meals to help them through the festive period.

Charity Love Ipswich have delivered 286 hampers to vulnerable families in the town.

Food and monetary donation have been received from organisations, schools and businesses across the town in order to make this happen.

The 'Christmas Dinner in a box' hampers included items such as gravy, custard, boxes of biscuits, chocolates, Shloer and a £10 supermarket voucher for perishable items.

East Anglian Daily Times: A Brownies group in Ipswich with some of the hampers createdA Brownies group in Ipswich with some of the hampers created (Image: Love Ipswich)

The hamper is designed for a family of four, meaning around 1,144 people will benefit from the hamper this Christmas in Ipswich.

One of those that received a hamper said: "We had absolutely no idea what we were going to do for Christmas this year and this has made our year.

"We have a Christmas dinner and all the treats that go with it.

"It's such a relief but also a dream come true."

East Anglian Daily Times: Love Ipswich were helped with donations from schools, businesses and organisations in the townLove Ipswich were helped with donations from schools, businesses and organisations in the town (Image: Love Ipswich)

East Anglian Daily Times: Students at Kesgrave High School helpedStudents at Kesgrave High School helped (Image: Love Ipswich)

In Martlesham, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) delivered food boxes which included 252 meals to struggling families.

RRT partnered with Martlesham Primary Academy to identify vulnerable families in the area.

Guy Bush, RRT Ipswich local team leader, said: "We know that many are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, making it difficult for some families to put food on the table this holiday season.

"This is why the RRT has stepped in to put compassion into action and help those who are struggling in Martlesham.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the holiday boxes given out in Martlesham by RRTOne of the holiday boxes given out in Martlesham by RRT (Image: RRT)

"It has been inspiring to see our volunteers spreading holiday cheer and helping those individuals and families struggling to make ends meet."

The RRT boxes are filled with a wide selection of non-perishable goods such as pasta, rice and cereal bars, alongside Christmas Pudding, custard and candy canes.

One of the parents who received one of the boxes said: "It's such a kind-hearted gesture and myself and my daughter very much appreciate it.

"It really helps us this time of ear, especially when the cost of living is so incredibly high."

East Anglian Daily Times: Items included in the RRT family boxItems included in the RRT family box (Image: RRT)