EMPLOYEES have donated more than 100 advent calendars to a foodbank.

The five offices of Holmes & Hills Solicitors in Braintree, Coggeshall, Sudbury, Halstead and Tiptree made the donation to the Braintree Area Foodbank.

It is the second consecutive year Holmes & Hills employees have donated advent calendars to the foodbank, following an appeal started by members of staff.

This also follows an earlier donation of food and hygiene items in the past few months.

Lauren Howard, family law solicitor who helped to donate the advent calendars said: “I am so pleased to be able to donate more than 100 advent calendars to the Braintree Area Foodbank and want to thank Holmes & Hills employees for their generosity.

"For many families an advent calendar is a luxury they cannot afford so to be able to put a smile on a child’s face this festive period is a great achievement.”

The foodbank often sees an increase in demand throughout the winter months as families are forced to choose between heating their home or providing a meal on the table.

Project manager Maggie Drewett said: ‘”Be as generous as you can be, there has been a 65 per cent increase in clients coming through since April 1 compared to the same period last year.

"We really are looking for the foods listed on the shopping list but all donations are welcome.”