A bookkeeping firm has presented The Kings Arms youth project in Alton with a cheque for £660.

Staff at Mascolo & Styles, based at Amery Street in Alton, raised the money by finding an alternative use for cash they had traditionally spent on Secret Santa gifts for each other.

Each member of the team was asked to donate £10, with the company matching every donation.

Amy from Mascolo & Styles visited The Kings Arms and gave the cheque to Naomi and Soph from the charity.

Mascolo & Styles chose to help The Kings Arms because its staff felt the charity provided “a vital lifeline” for young people in Alton, Petersfield and their surrounding villages.

A spokesperson for Mascolo & Styles said: “From cooking and arts to providing a safe space to simply ‘be’, their mission is to help young people realise their potential and know their worth.”

Mascolo & Styles rewarded those staff who donated by holding a raffle for them two days before Christmas. Prizes included Champagne, gift cards, a dedicated parking space for a year and duvet days.

The spokesperson added: “We are so proud of our team for choosing to give back this Christmas. Supporting the next generation in our community is the best gift we could give.”