Bishop Auckland Angel Trust holding Christmas toy appeal

A tree has been put up which will soon be filled with tags of present hopes.

Last year the appeal was a huge success but there are worries that times are tougher this Christmas.

Volunteers at the food bank will be going around gathering requests from children's homes to schools with struggling pupils.

Clair McGregor, founder of the Angel Trust, said: "We have seen a real influx of people in the last year needing help.

"Everything is getting more expensive, chocolate boxes have become much more expensive this year.

"I'm a little bit worried that things are so difficult it might be harder for people to contribute and help.

"It's more important than ever to help this year."

Examples of the tags show that the young people want essentials from socks to fluffy jumpers to stay warm.

Many of the youngsters are hoping for fresh bedding or utensils in the kitchen.

Ms McGregor added: "We are covering the tree with the wishes of the children.

"We hope people will come along, take a tag and then come back with the gifts and put them under the tree."

This comes after studies have shown that child destitution levels in the North East have reached unprecedented levels.

Research published last month by the Rowntree Trust found that destitution had increased by 88% across the UK.

Paul Kissack, Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, previously said: "A million children experienced destitution last year – a number that has almost doubled since 2019. 

"Across our country, we are leaving families freezing in their homes or lacking basic necessities like food and clothing. 

"Such severe hardship should have no place in the UK today – and the British public will not stand for destitution on this scale. 

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"The Government is not helpless to act: it is choosing not to. 

"Turning the tide on destitution is an urgent moral mission, which speaks to our basic humanity as a country, and we need political leadership for that mission. 

"That is why we are calling for clear proposals from all political parties to address this challenge with the urgency it demands."