Estate agent Ryder & Dutton has launched a partnership with Slaithwaite’s Ruddi’s Retreat charity this month, to surprise local children living with cancer this Christmas.

Ruddi’s Retreat helps children and families affected by cancer and life-limiting illness by sending them on free respite holidays to its caravan retreats.

Ryder & Dutton, which has branches in Lindley, Linthwaite and Holmfirth, has paired up with the charity this year on its Ruddi’s Reindeers initiative, collecting Christmas gifts from the public at its 26-branch network during November and early December, to give out to families in need.

Ali Waterworth, founder of Ruddi’s Retreat, said: “Over the last 10 years, we have brought joy to lots of local children, both in and out of hospital, by gifting them through our Ruddi’s Reindeer scheme.

“This year, more families than ever need our help, whether this be families affected by illness, bereavement or by financial hardship.

“Ryder & Dutton’s support is invaluable, as we aim to gift double the amount of families we have in previous years with a treat this Christmas, which is just amazing.”

Jake Rowson, sales director at Ryder & Dutton, said: “We’d love the kind people of Kirklees to pop into our high street branches in the next few weeks to generously drop off a Christmas present or two for a family in need.

“It’s a time for giving back, and we’re delighted to be involved with the Ruddi’s Reindeers project this year.

“We’ll be collecting gifts until the first week in December and helping to drive donations for the charity online, then Ruddi’s will play Santa and wrap the presents and donate them to children and families this Christmas.”

Ryder & Dutton’s Huddersfield branches are located at: 2 Acre Street, Lindley, HD3 3DU; 828 Manchester Road, Linthwaite, HD7 5QS; and 71 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3AZ.

You can also donate online at www.ruddisretreat.org