A charity which helps people access housing, health, education and employment opportunities, have said they were 'overwhelmed' with the kindness shown by the community.

After the Asda Lowestoft store chose Access Community Trust as their charity for the Christmas gift appeal, it proved to be the 'best ever' as a record amount of products were donated in store throughout December.

Bev Shipp, community champion at Asda Lowestoft, said the Give A Little Gift Appeal was a huge success.

Ms Shipp said: 'The trolley collection went much better. We normally only manage to get one trolley filled in the past, but this year we had three trolleys over filled with goodies from our customers and they were greatly received by Access Community Trust.'

'With two car loads of items delivered to Coppice Court on the Saturday before Christmas, it provided an early festive treat for residents. Speaking on behalf of Access Community Trust, business support officer Dave Eagle said: 'We are simply overwhelmed by the kindness shown by Bev and her team at Asda and also the huge generosity from the people that live within our community.

'At a time where it's the season of goodwill, the response has been above and beyond our expectations. We can't thank everyone enough.'

Ms Shipp said that last year was the best ever in the community for the Asda store in Lowestoft.

The Green Token Giving Appeal saw £500 donated to the local branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind, with Hazeldean home for mums with newborn babies in Lowestoft and SS Stars cheerleading group receiving £200 each as runners-up.

Before Christmas St Peter and St John Church in Kirkley received £200 to support its festive activities through the Asda Foundation, while buffet food and a chocolate Christmas cracker was donated to each member of the Navigator.

The Waveney Gymnastics Group received fruit hampers to support their fundraising and the Foundation also secured £2,000 for the Befriending Scheme group to use throughout the year.

Access Community Trust has also been nominated as one of the three organisations selected for The Asda Foundation's Green Token Giving Appeal, which runs during January, February and March this year at the Asda store's entrance in Lowestoft.