AN appeal has gone out for selection boxes to be donated to Darlington's Giving Tree Appeal.

Every year at least 250 selection boxes are needed to be distributed to families in the town who cannot afford Christmas gifts.

The appeal, run by Darlington Borough Council social services, is aimed at getting Christmas shoppers to buy an extra present to give to the Giving Tree.

These are being collected at The Northern Echo offices, Alpha Radio and Asda stores in Darlington and Spennymoor, and will be distributed to needy families in time for Christmas.

Janet Robinson, appeal co-ordinator, said: "The appeal is going really well, but we still need more gifts and we always need selection boxes. Any companies thinking of giving selection boxes to their staff, we would really like them to give them to the appeal instead."

All gifts and selection boxes should be unwrapped.

To raise money for the appeal, Branksome School Choir will give a concert with soloists Katherine Bean, Polly McNaughton and Janet Robinson, at Darlington Arts Centre on Friday, at 7.30pm.

Carols, Christmas songs and songs from the shows will be performed at the concert.

Tickets cost £5 or £2.50 for concessions, including mulled wine and mince pies. They are available from Janet Robinson on (01325) 346841.