The figures are in: in 2023, Operation Rudolph handed out more than 550 Gifts from Santa and 179 meal box deliveries, providing food for over 729 meals.

A total of 230 hot meals were provided by more than 50 volunteers on Christmas Day. 

A total of 1,500 people were supported, which organiser Sharon Thorne says is an 60% increase on last year, with a 100% increase on meal boxes and gift bags.

The owners of Pebbles in Seaton, Carley and James, also provided a community meal for people in the seaside town by opening up their cafe on Christmas Day.

Every year, Operation Rudolph look at how they can better the event, Some things have already been identified and they need some help. See more on their Facebook post.

Sharon Thorne, organiser of Op Rudolph said: "I appreciate not everyone can make it, but as this is a community-led and delivered project, everyone's views and suggestions are welcome.

"So please feel free to drop me a line with suggestions/ideas/solutions/skills you have/want to help more/things you would be willing to take a lead on."