At Charltons Timberstore, the company sell handmade wooden snowmen and reindeer every Christmas, with all proceeds being donated to a local cause.

This year, the chosen charity was the Mendip YMCA, a cause that provides imperative help to young people in need throughout the community and one that has touched the lives of several members of staff at the Timberstore alone.

Timberstore Manager, James Blundell, picks up the story: “AJ Charlton’s and Sons have been part of the Somerset landscape since 1903.

“Whether we are sourcing products, supplying customers, recruiting staff or working with local charities and voluntary groups; it’s important as a business that we understand the local community; as this helps us support them in return in the best way that we can.

“We visited the Mendip YMCA with two Charlton employees, Yasmin and Ollie, who were both supported by the Mendip YMCA when they were younger.”

Ollie said: “The Mendip YMCA was there for me at a time in my life when I had nowhere to turn. I have no idea what I would have done without their ongoing support; I always remember them treating me as an individual and for that, I will always be grateful.”

Yasmin added: “Staff were always warm and non-judgemental, and without this support, I don’t think I would have become the person I am today. It’s nice visiting and giving something back, so that they can continue to help others in the way that they helped us.”

The CEO of the YMCA thanked Charltons for its support: “Thank you to all the staff and customers of Charltons Timber Store for the kind donation of £500 from the sale of your wonderful log snowmen and reindeer.

“Your generosity is most gratefully received and will make such a difference to the young people we help within our community.

“It was so nice to meet James, Yasmin and Ollie; and it was even more special to know that YMCA Mendip has played a positive part in all three of their lives at some point.”