'I can't afford to buy my kids presents this year... we've cancelled Christmas'

Laila Cheikhmousa would love to spoil her five kids this Christmas. But as she struggles to cope with rising costs, the heartbroken mum has been forced to 'cancel' December 25.

It’s a desperate situation faced by many parents this festive season. Laila, who lives in the Lower Broughton area of Salford, has spent years barely managing to keep her head above water.

Unable to put food on the table, the 40-year-old was left with no choice but to approach charity Emmaus Salford for help.

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Through its local food bank, Lucie’s Pantry, Laila now receives a weekly shop which ensures her children have enough food to eat.

But while she’s received help with her food shop for around three years, Laila still struggles to afford rising bills – meaning she hasn’t been able to buy presents for her little ones this Christmas.

"I didn't buy anything," she said. . Everyone at the charity are good, friendly people. The charity is good. It's helped me so much.

"Food and electricity, especially now, is very, very expensive. Food is crazy. Everything is going up.

"I was struggling to buy food; I have five kids. That's why it's so expensive. I was struggling with the food and electricity.

"Before, it was okay, but right now I can't even turn my heating on because it's very expensive. It's very hard."

Laila isn’t the only parent struggling. Around one in seven parents and caregivers have revealed they won’t be able to afford Christmas presents for their kids this year, according to the charity Family Action.

In a survey of around 1,000 people, the study found one in five will be unable to heat their homes this Christmas. Almost