PRIMARY school pupils have backed a Christmas toy appeal to make sure others have a Christmas Day to remember.

Youngsters at Heathfield Primary School in Darlington have been donating to the Darlington Toy Appeal.

The appeal, launched by the Salvation Army and supported by The Northern Echo and Darlington Cares, aims to ensure every child in Darlington wakes up to a gift on Christmas morning.

Teacher Allie Thomson has helped her reception class realise the importance of helping others less fortunate by encouraging them to support the appeal, which ends on Sunday, November 30.

She said: “I really wanted to bring awareness to the children of the needs of others who are less fortunate at this time of the year.

“The appeal seemed like a great opportunity to do just that and we’ve had a fantastic response from children, their families and staff.”

Donations to the appeal are still being collected. Tinned food, new toys and gifts suitable for under-16s can be dropped off at The Northern Echo offices in Priestgate, Darlington, between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, at The Salvation Army citadel on Thompson Street East, at Toys R Us at Teesside Park and at Footprints bookshop on Skinnergate from 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Financial donations can be made at Footprints or through The Salvation Army.

For more details, call 01325-380994 or visit darlingtonsalvationarmy.org.uk

The appeal will run until Sunday, November 30 when the gifts will be collected by The Salvation Army and distributed by agencies working with disadvantaged families.