Pearly king John Walters and MP Emily Thornberry hand over a hamper to Ruth Hutchinson at the Ringcross Community Centre

THERE was joy and laughter across the borough this week as the Tribune began our annual Christmas hamper deliveries.

The magical boxes of goodies are paid for by kind donations and bring some much-needed cheer to people on their own, who have been through hardship or are nominated as deserving recipients by our readers.

On Monday, Islington South MP Emily Thornberry helped play Santa as we made a drop at the Ringcross Community Centre, run by the Pillion Trust off Caledonian Road.

• See our next edition for the full story on how your donations made Christmas.