The Harpenden Trust has thanked townsfolk after last year’s Christmas appeal broke the amount raised from the year before.

Graham Westwell the appeal organiser, said the likely total raised was around £49,000.

Donations to the appeal were made via gift envelopes the appeal delivered around the town.

Mr Westwell said: “What a magnificent response from the Harpenden community.

“By digging deep into their pockets, the generous people of Harpenden gave us more than half the funds we need to help local people in need.

“And those needs are not always financial. Loneliness is an increasing problem as our population ages.”

Mr Westwell also paid tribute to the 230 appeal volunteers who delivered and collected the gift envelopes.

The Harpenden Trust is a registered charity first founded in 1948 which has provided financial and social support to less well-off people in the area.

In addition to the Christmas appeal, the trust also runs a community fund, which gives grants to community groups and voluntary organisations.

Visit theharpendentrust.org.uk to find out more about the trust, the appeal and how to apply to the community fund.