NEWS reporter Adam Smith visited Halesowen charity Loaves n Fishes to present a £12,000 cheque from publisher Newsquest, he found an Aladdin's cave of goods ready to be given to the needy.

Anna Hartland started Loaves n Fishes in her Cradley Heath garage 11 years ago, a lot has changed since then.

When we arrive at the depot there are two lorries being filled with furniture and a lot more besides to be distributed to the needy of Halesowen and Sandwell.

The depot has furniture, games, kitchenware and other household goods piled high to the ceiling.

Mrs Hartland said: "A lot of people need our help these days so we need a lot of stuff at all times.

"We are so happy to have been given £12,000 by Newsquest because we can buy brand new hotplates and microwaves for people who are just moving into new accommodation.

"They are really great for families because it means people can cook themselves healthy meals without having an entire cooker."

Walking through the depot it is obvious Loaves n Fishes give away a lot more than the furniture it was set up to distribute.

There are draws full of underwear, toothpaste, cleaning products and sanitary towels for those who turn up for help.

Anna said: "If someone turns up they can even have a shower here, we had one homeless person who came here before an interview because he wanted to give the right impression."

She said: "In our first year we helped 50 people with new furniture, this year we have helped 2,020 people with everything from food and clothing to furniture and electrical goods.

"Since we moved to our bigger premises on Vicarage Road we can help people in a lot more ways, homeless people can come for a shower or a cuppa, and we never ever try and send anyone away empty handed."

Nationally Newsquest, one of the country’s biggest regional publishers, is handing out more than £300,000 this year, taking its charitable giving over the last 10 years to more than £3million.

When Anna's husband Steve, a pastor, turns up it appears visitors get something else for free - hugs.

"Praise the Lord," he says as he envelopes me in his bear-like arms.

That seemed the opportune moment to hand over the all important £12,000 cheque from my employer.

"As soon as it clears, we are going shopping," Anna said with a smile.

"Praise the Lord," said Steve, again.

And with a few more hugs we left them to do their good work.