Charities and unofficial organisations which provide help to the public have reported that demand for help, especially in the form of food hampers, this year has been so high that supplies have been exhausted within hours.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon said giving to those in need spreads the Christmas message and gives hope. He distributed hampers on December 18.

"Today we gave out hampers in Beetham and Sea Lots. We've given out 750 hampers today. The communities have always been grateful for receiving at Christmas time, this year especially so because of how difficult things are in the community.