Hundreds of people will get an early Christmas present from The Argus Appeal.

Up to 1,500 pensioners and families throughout Sussex will benefit from the annual delivery of food parcels paid for by the generosity of readers of The Argus.

The parcels will be delivered thanks to a free service operated by the Co-op supermarket in Nevill Road, Hove.

Vans were being loaded this week and many homes will receive their parcels tomorrow.

The vans have already delivered some parcels to the Salvation Army, the St Vincent de Paul organisation and Portslade Community Care.

The Co-op was chosen to help with The Argus appeal as it runs a free home delivery service to anyone who spends more than £25 at the store and lives within a four-mile radius.

Store manager Phil Brown said: "We are delighted to be involved with The Argus Appeal. We were supportive last year and we wanted to do it this year."

Last year The Argus Appeal trustee and co-ordinator Elsa Gillio made the mammoth shopping trip in the Co-op to fill the parcels.

But this year Mr Brown and his staff picked the food and products most popular with pensioners.

Mr Brown was told to spend about £15,000 and was able to give The Argus Appeal the best deals as he knew every special offer.

The Argus Appeal also gained more than £400 in dividends, which will be added to next year's funds.

This year many people will receive Co-op vouchers instead of food parcels.

Elsa said: "We were able to give some people the choice of a parcel or voucher. Some people who have a Co-op in their street and are able to get out and about said they would prefer vouchers. Others like to receive parcels.

"We receive fantastic letters from people who are grateful to receive parcels.

"This year the demand for parcels and vouchers has been greater than ever. We hope those who will benefit enjoy them."

The Argus Appeal was launched in 1957 with a mandate to "relieve sickness, poverty and hardship and, in particular, to provide funds for benefits of all sorts in cash and in kind particularly at Christmas, for lonely and needy older people and underprivileged children and any other persons considered appropriate by the trustees within the circulation area of The Argus."

Pensioner Sadie Emerson, 84, runs the St Richards OAP Club in Hollingdean, Brighton.

She said 16 women belonging to the club received parcels or vouchers and added: "I can't sing The Argus's praises enough. It's marvellous and the women are so grateful."

The Argus may have changed its name but The Argus Appeal remains unique. In 44 years, not one penny raised has been used for administration costs.

For a second year The Argus Appeal is supported by Legal and General, which hopes this year's total will eclipse last year's £70,000 record amount.