A mum who has donated thousands of Christmas presents for children in need has been awarded by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Julie Griffin, 52, was shocked to receive to the UK government’s Points of Light award for her Glasgow’s Spirit of Christmas campaign.

In a letter to her on Friday, Mr Johnson said: “I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you are bringing Christmas cheer to thousands of children across Glasgow and coordinating gifts from your online army of volunteers.”

Julie, from Newton Mearns, near Glasgow, said: “I am very proud to accept this award to recognise the many wonderful charitable organisations, campaign members, local businesses and incredible volunteers that make up our mindful, kind and compassionate community.

“Everyone works together to make a real difference and bring the magic of Christmas to children and young people’s lives that are affected by financial hardship or living in poverty.”

The daily Points of Light award recognises individual volunteers who make a difference to communities across the country.

Julie launched the campaign with friends in 2013. It is now a 28,000-Facebook group of people and businesses who donate gifts which are distributed to around 85 partner charities and other organisations such as food banks.

Last year they gave presents to 11,000 children and this year it was 13,460 with the total value of gifts topping £1.2m.

Julie’s award came four days after STV News told how the charity stepped in to help a mum whose children’s presents were destroyed by her abusive ex-partner.