Donations of books, plants and everything in between are needed at the Salvation Army in Deal to help pay for the Christmas meal and entertainment it provides for people in need.

Volunteers lent a hand at the charity's most recent fund raiser, last week's summer fair, where they dished up full English breakfasts to visitors and supporters.

Corps officer Kook Hwan Rho said: “We raised £380 which will be used for our on-going building project. Half of the funds raised will be used for that, the other half will be used for the Salvation Army collection campaign for social work.”

Volunteers are looking towards the next fund raiser, a Christmas fair on Saturday, November 15.” They will also be making door-to-door collections throughout September with 100% of donations being used to help people in need at Chriistmas.

"This has been a particularly hard year for people coping with job losses, poverty and loneliness.This is why the role of The Salvation Army is more important than ever - Kook Hwan Rho, Deal branch

Money raised will provide the food for the Christmas activities for people in need.

Lieut Rho added: "This has been a particularly hard year for many people who have had to cope with job losses, poverty and loneliness.This is why the role of The Salvation Army is more important than ever. Public donations to our Big Collection are vital to ensure we can continue our work in mending broken lives from services such as our Lifehouse support and accommodation centres for people and families who are homeless, and ourcare homes and day centres for older people."

To donate, telephone Corps officer Rho on 01304 375398 or visit the centre in West Street, Deal Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 7pm, Friday mornings from 10am to noon or join Sunday worship at 10am to noon.