CHRISTMAS came early for children at a family centre when they received hundreds of toys.

Staff at the Orange Communications Centre, in Peterlee, heard Seaham's NCH Family Centre needed toys to replace old and damaged equipment.

They raised almost £3,000 through a range of activities to help buy a wish list of items.

The equipment was handed over yesterday - the same day Orange announced it was adopting NCH as its national charity this year.

The Seaham Family Centre was set up in 1990 and provides playgroups, courses for parents and support for families in the Seaham and Dawdon areas.

Project leader Sandra Petch said: "Our focus is primarily on the children, their rights, and valuing the role parents play in their children's lives.

"Having the right standard and range of equipment is an important part of this and helps us deliver a high quality service to the community."

The equipment includes toys, games, musical instruments, art materials, furniture, books and fibre optic lighting.