AN appeal for toys to give to children in need at Christmas has started with a £1,000 donation from a shop.

The Salvation Army in Crook is appealing for people to donate new toys and gifts for this year’s Give a Gift: Light Up a Life appeal, to ensure that children and young people who would otherwise not be able to receive gifts through financial hardship receive presents on Christmas morning.

And the appeal has started with the Factory Shop in Crook donating more than £1,000.

Lieutenant Dawn Anderson, who runs Crook Salvation Army Church with her husband Mark, said: “We are so grateful to The Factory Shop for starting this year’s campaign with such a generous donation.

“Their fundraising will also help towards supplying some food parcels to people who are most at need over the Christmas period.”

People can donate by buying an additional toy or gift along with their usual Christmas purchases, and dropping it in to either The Salvation Army on Queen Street or to The Factory Shop.

The Salvation Army will also be holding several services during the Christmas period.

A family carol service will be held at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 16, with the Christmas Day service starting at 10am.

There will also be a Christmas Day meal for those on their own, book by calling 01388-762655.