A council has launched a campaign to help people in need this winter.

Buckinghamshire Council's 'Christmas Angels' campaign is encouraging people to donate to five local charities.

The charities, dubbed the 'festive five,' are Heart of Bucks (Together Against Poverty), Inspire Bucks (Christmas Toy Appeal), Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse, Chiltern Foodbank, and One Can Trust.

The campaign aims to help people in poverty, provide Christmas gifts for children, and supply essential items and emergency food parcels.

The Together Against Poverty appeal, run by Heart of Bucks, is raising money to provide essentials like clothing, food, and heating for people in hardship.

The money will also help people facing food, shelter, fuel, or digital poverty to access immediate help and make changes to improve their lives.

Inspire Bucks is asking for help with their Christmas Gift Appeal, which aims to ensure that disadvantaged children and young people, from babies to care leavers up to the age of 25, receive at least one gift this Christmas.

The charity works with social workers, schools, and food banks to identify recipients.

Last year, the appeal supported more than 4,000 children.

One Can Trust, Aylesbury Vineyard Storehouse, and Chiltern Foodbank provide essential items, including emergency food parcels, for people on low incomes or benefits, or those in temporary hardship.

They are asking for financial donations to help top up provisions and keep the food banks running.

One Can Trust also uses donations to support other services, such as lunch and dinner clubs, and to help parents with young children.

Councillor Arif Hussain, cabinet member for communities, said: "Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of local people who donate to charities, organisations, and good causes across Buckinghamshire.

"This support makes a huge difference to so many disadvantaged individuals, families, and children across the county.

"I know we are all still facing high cost of living pressures, but I would ask those who are able to support our Christmas Angels campaign and give to any of the festive five worthwhile causes, to contribute where they can.

"Every pound donated goes directly to those in need to make sure everyone feels cared for this Christmas."

The council is urging people to be a 'Christmas Angel' and donate to any of the festive five this Christmas.

For more information and to donate, visit the Buckinghamshire Council website.

The council said that every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference to someone in need this winter.

The council stressed how the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference to someone in need.