A CHILD'S bike and four remote- controlled helicopters are among hundreds of gifts going to families in need across Darlington.

Volunteers collected and sorted the presents, which were handed in to the tenth annual Giving Tree appeal, organised by Darlington Borough Council.

The presents, which include games, toys, dolls, toiletries and sweets, will now be handed out to 640 children and adults in the town.

The families have been referred to the team by the council's social services and children's services staff.

Appeal co-ordinator Katie Beaumont said: "I am just surprised at the amount and quality of the presents.

"It is amazing what people have given - they are very generous."

For the past few weeks, shoppers in Darlington handed in the presents at shops and outlets in the town.

Volunteers, including members of Growing Older Living in Darlington, St Teresa's Hospice, Millennium Volunteers and council staff, waded through the mass of presents at Central House this week.

They will be collected and handed out to families in the town in time for Christmas.

The appeal is supported by Alpha radio, The Northern Echo, Darlington Council for Voluntary Service and local companies, including Shotts Removals, Escapade and Travelcare.