YOUNG people from Halesowen have been spreading seasonal cheer with donations of gifts to ill children, the homeless and the poor.

Volunteers from the Long Lane branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association delivered gifts to the children’s ward at Russells Hall Hospital and took extra supplies to the Halesowen-based Back Country Foodbank .

They also ran homeless feeding sessions at Midland Heart, Blackheath, and Chawn Hill Church, Stourbridge.

The effort was part of the association’s national Muslims for Humanity campaign in which its volunteers aim to “bring a smile to the vulnerable and sick” over the winter.

It also has an emergency relief team in place to help those affected by bad weather.

Youth leader Wasim Shah said: ''As a youth charity we try to educate young people that each of us has a social responsibility to help our local communities, especially those challenged by sickness, homelessness and loneliness. We are trying to do this by getting out into the community and offering our time, smiles and some simple gifts.

''I was extremely touched by the warm response of the local community and by the truly inspirational people we had the pleasure of meeting and serving. “ Volunteers marked New Year’s Day with a litter pick in Halesowen and Dudley town centres.