THE cast of Darlington's pantomime have lent their support to the town's Christmas Giving Tree Appeal.

The tree is already laden with presents donated by the people of Darlington for families in the town who cannot afford a good Christmas.

The stars from Aladdin, playing at the Civic Theatre, popped into Alpha Radio to add some magic to the appeal and encourage more people to get involved.

Members of the cast, including the princess, played by Andrea Dickinson, Nathan Zorchak as the genie, and Katie Costello as the slave of the ring, visited the radio station which, along with The Northern Echo and Asda, is supporting the appeal.

Darlington MP Alan Milburn also collected a bicycle from Asda for the appeal, when he stopped in at the supermarket yesterday to hold his constituency surgery.

Unwrapped presents for the appeal can be handed in at Asda, The Northern Echo office in Darlington and Alpha Radio.

New or good quality second-hand gifts are welcomed for children and their families in the Darlington area.

The gifts will be collected, sorted and distributed by Darlington Borough Council's social services to families around the town.

To help with the collection of donations, Mill VW Faverdale has provided a vehicle sporting the Giving Tree logo and Alpha 103.2, which will be touring Darlington in the next few weeks to make it easier for people to hand over their extra gifts.

A spokeswoman for the appeal said: "The response from the public has been marvellous and we are very grateful to everyone who has made a donation so far. Put one extra present under the Tree and help make Christmas special. Please be generous in 2001."