The housing officers chose six families at random, all of whom were experiencing financial difficulties.

Marianne McLennan, housing services administrator at Link, said: “The families were overjoyed to be informed they would be receiving a helping hand during the festive period.

“Christmas is a particularly difficult for people experiencing financial hardships, as expectations to spend money can lead to debt.

“We were delighted to have been able help these families on the lead up to Christmas.”

Mission Christmas aims to help local children living in poverty by providing them with a few gifts to open on Christmas.

Last year, almost 21,000 children from across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and Falkirk benefited from the campaign.