KIND-HEARTED members of a Halton stroke club have rallied round to help victims of the Farepak collapse.

Volunteers at Let's Go stroke club, based in Runcorn, are making Christmas hampers to give to the devastated families.

Chairman and founding member Bob Bryant said: 'So far, we've made up 30 hampers and we're hoping to make up some more.

'It's just our way of saying 'thank you' to the people of Halton for all their support.'

Farepak went bust in October, leaving families across Halton facing a bleak Christmas after saving money each month to pay for shopping vouchers and hampers.

A fund attracting donations of £6m was set up by the Government following the collapse to compensate the 150,000 people affected.

This should be distributed to Farepak victims in the form of high street vouchers by December 18.

Those affected should receive 15 pence for every £1 they had saved.

Farepak agent Joan Holmes, of Castle Rise, said her customers had lost up to £10,000, forcing hard-up families to declare Christmas cancelled.

'I've got customers who have lost thousands of pounds and 15% back is nothing. It's terrible; they're not happy at all with it.

'I suppose it's better than nothing but we haven't even had anything through yet.

'Its costing me a fortune in phone calls. I've got 30 customers and I have to call an 0800 number to put a claim in for every single one of them.

'Luckily my customers all understand but it's still upsetting as they're struggling like mad.'

Organisers have admitted they are disappointed that the response fund did not raise more money.

holly.breslin@cheshirenews.co.uk