A WEST Cumbrian family is hoping to give something back to those less fortunate in the community this Christmas, with a major donation to help families who are struggling financially over the festive period.

Ryan Dodgson, runs Northern Competitions - a competition page which over the last four years has gone from strength to strength, providing a whole host of prizes to people right across the county.

Ryan and his family including fiancé Sarah, and sons Jaxon and Jadon, have decided to take to the roads from now until the lead up to Christmas day doing their bit to help out others this Christmas.

With a budget of £10,000 the family  will be giving back and supporting vulnerable or less fortunate families in communities near you who are struggling financially this Christmas- by providing gifts and toys to those in need.

Ryan said: "I've been running Northern Competitions now for just over four years and we have always given back to charities and local Cumbrian communities but we've never done anything at Christmas time.

"I was talking to Sarah a couple of weeks ago about Christmas and mentioned as I've got older I'm a strong believer in 'It's not about what's around the tree it's who's around the tree' but as kid it was all about the presents and how gutted I'd of been as child waking up without one, Sarah replied and said it will happen to some children, the thought of children waking up on Christmas day without a present played on my mind for a few days, it honestly breaks my heart'.

"I spoke to Sarah again & let her know how I felt and we decided together that we want to try and help as many children/families as possible in Cumbria so no child wakes up without a gift this year on Christmas morning, I know it's a big ask for us to do this alone but we can do our part alongside all the other fantastic Christmas appeals set up in Cumbria and hopefully no child will wake up without a gift this Christmas."

If any other businesses would like to help out, you can message Northern Competitions on facebook, all businesses who help out will receive a thank you post on the page with details and company logo attached.