Northern brings Christmas cheer to Hartlepool

Barnsleigh Interchange, Blackpool North Pole, Hartleyule and Ho Ho Holmes Chapel made their debuts on the railway this week thanks to a bit of festive spirit.

Customers at Blackpool North Pole and Barnsleigh Interchange were also treated to a free hot chocolate to help their days get off to a cheerful start.

But there was more than Yultide merriment behind the changes to Northern’s stations. The new names reflected donations made by Northern to charities in the local communities.

Hartlepool Foodbank was chosen as Northern’s Christmas charities in the town and staff were visited by Santa’s helpers who handed over the donation.

The foodbank provides three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to it in crisis. It’s part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Hartlepool Foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers and police to identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher which can be exchanged for much-needed food.

Anna Weeks, Regional Director at Northern said: “Christmas is a great time of the year – and there really is no better time to give something back to the communities we serve and are part of.

“Hartlepool Foodbank helps some of the most vulnerable people in society and provides vital nutrition. I’m delighted we have been able to support their efforts.”

Lisa Lavender, Deputy Coordinator at Hartlepool Food Bank, said: “We are so thrilled to be receiving this donation as nominated by Northern staff at Hartlepool Station. We look after families in the local area in times of crisis by providing food and other support and services. This donation will help us to continue our valuable work for people in need.”

As well as making the charitable donation, Northern ‘elves’ will be out and about and across the network in the run-up to the ‘big day’ to spread a little more Christmas cheer – with festive treats on offer for customers of all ages.