Families were able to pick up free children’s shoes and stock up on low-cost gifts thanks to a special Christmas shopping event staged by the charity Barnardo’s.

Almost 200 parents and children were invited to the event at Lighthouse Children’s Centre in Gloucester City, organised by Barnardo’s retail staff and the Targeted Family Support Service.

Families were given the opportunity to purchase high quality toys and gifts priced from just £1 and had chance to select a free pair of shoes for each child, donated by Russell and Bromley. Supermarket vouchers totalling £2,140 were also distributed to further ease the financial worries facing many families this year.

Barnardo’s family support staff encouraged local families to attend, and one family arrived with nothing and left with gifts, shoes for the children, a Christmas tree and decorations.

Team manager Trudie Carter said: “The centre felt alive with an amazing atmosphere throughout the day with lots of laugher and chatting. Working alongside retail colleagues helped family support staff appreciate the incredible hard work that our retail colleagues do.”

Barnardo’s store manager Kerry Taylor said she was pleased so many families were able to benefit. “It went really well and we had amazing help from all the staff,” she said.

One parent thanked Barnardo’s for organising, “such a beautiful and lovely event”. She said: “It helped me a lot.” There was even a sprinkling of real snow to add to the festive atmosphere.

The Christmas event built on the success of two previous shopping experiences, the last being held before the summer holidays, with all providing a local response to the cost-of-living pressures on families in Gloucestershire.

In addition to helping those who attended, the shopping events have raised £1,940.63 for Barnardo’s work with children and families.