YOUNGSTERS with special needs will be getting extra Christmas treats this year, thanks to kind-hearted shoppers.

The Galleries shopping centre, in Washington, launched its annual Giving Tree appeal yesterday. The scheme sees customers buy an extra present and leave it under the tree, to be donated to a local charity or group.

This year, those due to benefit are Wearside Women and Children in Need, plus Wellbank Special School, in Washington.

The school caters for pupils from the Washington, Houghton and North Sunderland areas with a range of learning difficulties.

Head teacher, Jane McLeod, said: "We were delighted when the Galleries informed us, and the children are over the moon. They are looking forward to Christmas even more now."

The tree, supplied by Focus Do It All on the Galleries Retail Park, is on the mall's upper level.

Shoppers can visit the tree to pick up a tag with a gift request and the details of the child they will be helping. They then buy the present and return it wrapped to the tree area or the centre office.

All the presents must be handed in by 5pm on Monday, and will be presented to the children next Wednesday.