A MAJOR appeal aimed at bringing festive cheer to needy and vulnerable people is launched today - and organisers are hoping for a record-breaking year.

The annual Giving Tree Appeal is now up and running in Darlington, with widespread support from across the community.

The campaign is aiming to amass Christmas presents for people in the town who can not afford them.

It relies on the generosity of Christmas shoppers, who are being encouraged to buy an extra gift and drop it off at either The Northern Echo offices, Alpha Radio, Asda or the new Matalan store, in Neasham Road.

The appeal is organised by Darlington Borough Council's social services department.

The donated gifts, which must be unwrapped, are collected and sorted before being distributed in time for Christmas.

Alternatively, people can put together Christmas hampers and donate them to the appeal, or hold their own fundraising events, with the money raised being used to buy gifts.

Councillor Bill Dixon, cabinet member for social services, said: "For most of us, Christmas is both a special and a magical time, a time to be spent with loved ones, sharing gifts and enjoying the festive season.

"But, sadly, for some in our community, this is not the case. The Giving Tree Appeal gives everyone the chance to help those who are less fortunate than themselves.

"Last year, the people of Darlington gave £37,000 to the appeal in the form of gifts, food and cash. This year, we hope to break the record."

Coun Dixon has pledged he will have his ponytail cut off if the appeal total reaches £20,000 by December 10.

Darlington's Mardi Gras nightclub, which has raised about £12,000 for the appeal in the past four years, is also lending its support again.

This year's appeal has also received military backing, with 5 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, based at Catterick Garrison, pledging support.

A string of fundraising events are in the pipeline and will take place throughout the town in the run-up to Christmas.

The appeal will officially close with a concert at the Arts Centre, on December 18, at 7.30pm.

Anyone wishing to raise money for the Giving Tree Appeal is asked to contact Janet Robinson, in social services, on (01325) 346841.

Details of the appeal are on the web at www.communi gate.co.uk/ ne/givingtree