THE traditional Christmas collection by Taunton Deane councillors will benefit clients of Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) this year.

Mayor Cllr Marcia Hill choose to donate the £130 raised at the last full council meeting of 2015 to TAH after seeing an appeal on Facebook.

The charity was making gift boxes for the 176 people staying in its houses over Christmas but was short on suitable presents for men. Cllr Hill said: “I thought the money collected in the meeting could be used to buy a range of items to ensure everyone received something suitable.

"The TAH works tirelessly throughout the year and still goes the extra mile to give its clients something to look forward to at Christmas. It seemed fitting to contribute to this appeal.”

Cllr Hill presented the money and gift cards to Justin Roxburgh, chief executive of the TAH.

He said: “We are grateful to everyone who has donated to our appeal, including Taunton Deane councillors.”