A Petersfield family support charity has had a festive season to remember thanks to the generosity of the community.

HomeStart Butser exceeded its target of £30,000 in its annual Big Give Christmas Challenge, in which every pound donated was matched.

The charity ended up raising the record amount of more than £34,500, which will go towards continuing to recruit and train volunteers to support families in their homes, in groups and after school.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Despite so many challenges this year, the community rallied and gave so generously.

“With your help we know we can make a real difference to local families with young children going through challenging times, thank you.”

Last year, HomeStart Butser supported 262 families and 365 children, a 48 per cent increase from the previous year. 

One parent said: “HomeStart has never judged me and has never told me what to do. They build me up to be the best mum I can be.”