LORRY loads of Chocolate Oranges are on their way to hospitals across the region after St Helens stepped up for Make a Difference Day.

The event has been organised by dad-of-three Chris Lamb in memory of his four-year-old son Elliott Lamb, who died aged four in 2010 from the condition congenital cytomegalovirus.

Wanting to do something positive to cherish Elliott’s memory, Chris came up with the idea of collecting as many Terry’s Chocolate Oranges as possible for hospital staff nationwide.

The annual appeal has seen more than 20,000 chocolate oranges donated to date.

And hundreds more were being piled into the back of lorries today as supporters including boxer Martin Murray and Linzi Prescott joined volunteers at St Helens Town Hall.

The event was part of Local Charities Day 2017, which saw the town hall open its doors up to several of the borough’s inspiring charities for a celebration event to highlight the incredible work they do.

The event welcomed a number of charities - including the Mayor’s charity St Helens Mind; Willowbrook Hospice; the Steve Prescott Foundation; HoneyRose Foundation and the Hope Centre - into in the town hall’s assembly room for a morning of fundraising fun.

War veteran Andy Reid, former Saints skipper Paul Sculthorpe, Saints mascot Boots, Corpus Christi School Choir and breakdancing group, the UC Crew joined the occasion.

Around 3,000 chocolate oranges were on display in the town hall assembly room earlier this morning, ready to be delivered - along with roughly another 5,000 - to hospitals and hospices across the North West.

Hailing the day a success, Chris said: “Last year I was fortunate enough to host my Chocolate Orange Challenge event in the fabulous St Helens Town Hall which was a huge success, and so the idea came about how amazing it would be to have several of the borough’s extraordinary charities under one roof for a celebration of their achievements.

“I didn’t think last year’s event could be topped in terms of turn out, so to see so many people, schools, charities and other organisations come out in force to support this event is very overwhelming and fills me with pride.

“I’d like to thank St Helens Council for their immense support and for allowing me and so many of our incredible charities to showcase the work we do to the people of St Helens. It’s a memory that will live with me for a very long time.”

Later on this afternoon, the Steve Prescott Bridge will be lit orange in memory of Elliott.