CHRISTMAS is a time for giving. Around the world, gifts are being wrapped and children's hearts are beating a little faster as the excitement mounts.

In Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, extra-special preparations are being made for a little girl called Hannah Maxwell-Jones, who is different from most children.

Tomorrow is Hannah's second birthday, so there are birthday presents - including a giant teddy bear and her first bicycle - alongside the Christmas presents under the tree.

But the people of the North-East and North Yorkshire can today help ensure that Hannah gets the best present possible.

Today is "Ring In For Hannah Day" at The Northern Echo, because we are aiming to help her family raise £20,000 to take her to America for pioneering surgery on a severe facial disfigurement, which will blight her life unless something is done soon.

Within ten days of her birth, a birthmark had spread to cover most of her tiny face. She was referred to specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where a compound haemangioma - or tumour of the blood vessels - was diagnosed.

Her treatment will continue to be managed at Great Ormond Street, but the family believe that five operations by Professor Milton Waner, a world expert on birthmarks, holds the best hope of Hannah being able to lead a normal life.

Our advertising staff have already raised more than £2,000 through pledges made by the generous companies listed below.

And we have set up a team to take calls throughout the day from anyone who wants to make a donation.

Hannah, her mother, Allison, grandmother Muriel Leen, and other members of the family will be visiting The Northern Echo offices in Darlington this morning to say hello to the staff.

So please spare a thought for Hannah today and give us a call on one of our special phone lines. With your help, Hannah will be able to face the future with confidence.

Peter Barron, Editor