Hitchin residents are being encouraged to nominate their favourite local charities for a £1,000 festive donation as part of a nationwide Christmas giveaway.

The Benefact Group's annual Movement for Good Awards is returning with its 12 Days of Giving campaign, which will see £240,000 donated to charities across the UK in the run-up to Christmas.

A total of 240 charities will each receive £1,000, with 20 winners selected every weekday between 1 and 16 December.

Nominations are now open, meaning residents in Hitchin and across North Hertfordshire can put forward local charities, community organisations and good causes that could benefit from an extra financial boost this Christmas.

The winners will be selected at random, giving every nominated eligible charity a chance of securing a donation.

Last year's successful Hertfordshire organisations included the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter in Watford, 1st Turnford Scout Group and the National Animal Welfare Trust, which each received £1,000.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said: "We're delighted to be launching our 12 Days of Giving campaign again this year, giving away £240,000 in donations to causes nationwide.

"We know how much charities need support, particularly during the festive season, so we're asking the people of Hertfordshire to take a few minutes to nominate a cause that is particularly close to their hearts.

"We know that £1,000 can have a huge impact on incredible work that charities do and we're looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better."

Benefact Group, a specialist financial services organisation owned by a charity, donates all its available profits to good causes.

Since 2014, the group has donated more than £250 million to charitable organisations and says it has been the UK's third-largest corporate giver over the past decade.

With many local charities relying on donations and volunteers to continue their work, the Christmas campaign offers an opportunity for Hitchin residents to support organisations making a difference in their community.

How to nominate a charity

Residents can nominate their chosen charity by completing a simple online form at www.movementforgood.com⁠.

Nominations are open now, with prize draws taking place on weekdays from 1 to 16 December.

Every eligible charity nominated will have a chance of receiving one of the £1,000 donations.