FAMILIES in need are benefiting from intu Uxbridge’s two giving campaigns over the festive season.

Through its Christmas grotto, the shopping centre raised £5,979 for Halo Children’s Foundation, its charity of the year and long-term community partner.

Proceeds from the grotto were donated to the charity, which helps children and their families after a bereavement.

Elsewhere, children who spent Christmas in hospital benefited from the kindness of intu shoppers who donated more than 50 presents through the centre’s Give A Gift campaign.

Staff went to Hillingdon Hospital to deliver them to sick children who would be spending Christmas away from home.