IF you ever doubted that the caring spirit of the season is alive and well in Bolton you should have been with me at Christ Church in Little Lever on Sunday.

There, church members old and young shared their festivities with the children who will be resident at Fortalice, the town’s refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, this Christmas.

Dozens of new and much-loved toys were donated by adults and the children themselves and it was an honour to accept them for Fortalice. Smiles were everywhere in this generous congregation – and a few teary moments from yours truly.