NEWTOWN Rugby Club members have rallied around to support the town’s Salvation Army Christmas Appeal.

The club held a successful food parcel collection last year and were keen to help the cause again in 2020.

Club spokesman Paul Herdman said: “The Newtown Youth boys thought it would be a kind gesture for the local rugby club to help and support others within the local community who are less fortunate than ourselves who may go hungry and not know where the next meal is coming from.

“That ethic and value of supporting and assisting the less fortunate is ingrained throughout rugby circles.

“This year has been a challenging one for every person on the planet so it is particularly important to be kind to each other especially during the season of goodwill.

“So as a rugby club we tried to improve on last years food donations. I’m pleased to announce we met that objective.

“It’s been a whole club effort with every team donating and deserving of praise.

“A special word of thanks goes out to the ladies team led by coach Darren Bloor who yet again have gone above and beyond with their particular donations.

“All the coaches and team managers have been exceptional in organising their sides donations and even got Brynllywarch Hall School and the Pathway Education Centre staff involved in donations – a special thank you goes out to them also.

“The warmth and generosity of people associated with the rugby club who have donated has been quite exceptional.

“In fact when we were receiving the donations throughout the week the collectors were quite emotional as tin after tin, packet after packet rolled in and thoughts turned to the difference and positive impact this food would make on the families and children that need it most.”