A TOY appeal is launched today which will give vulnerable children in Darlington a Christmas they never expected.

Darlington Toy Appeal is being run by Captain Colin Bradshaw, of The Salvation Army.

It aims to give at least two presents to children from as young as a few months old to 16 on Christmas Day, who would not normally receive anything.

Cpt Bradshaw said: "Some people have no idea what it's like to get a new toy at Christmas.When they see other kids getting new bikes, they think its something that only happens on the television.

"Every child in Darlington will get a Christmas with The Salvation Army this year."

The scheme works by individuals and businesses donatingmoney and toys to The Salvation Army who then give presents to children who are in care or in a vulnerable situation where social services are involved.

"One time, we had a family who were taken in by social services then the father tried to kill the mother and their two children three days before Christmas. They had to leave their home with everything in it, so we made sure they had toys and food at the shelter they were staying in, " he said.

He said the latest child poverty statistics for Darlington were a good indicator of the number of children who would not receive gifts this year.

"Twenty-one per cent of children in Darlington are in poverty. This year we are predicting that, in the worst case scenario, about 200 children will be in a vulnerable position over the Christmas period."

Cpt Bradshaw said they needed to raise between £2,000 and £5,000 to pay for all the toys.

"Iftoys are donated instead of money, we are looking not just for toys for young children, but also for babies and teenagers, " he said.

Cpt Bradshaw has previously run the scheme in Middlesbrough and several other towns across the country.

A donation day will be held on Saturday, November 26, where donations can be dropped into The Salvation Army office in Thompson East Street, from 10am to 2pm.

Donationsmust bemade before November 27. To donate, contact Cpt Bradshaw on 01325-464594 or post a cheque payable to The Salvation Army and send to The Salvation Army, Thompson Street East, Darlington, DL1 3EW.