A TRAVEL agent has launched its annual appeal to collect presents for a women’s refuge.

Co-operative Travel, in Morrisons, North Road, is running a Santa’s Suitcase Christmas Appeal to pass on gifts to women and children at the Darlington Refuge, run by charity Family Help.

The appeal is an annual event. Last year more than 100 presents were donated.

Natalie Bell, assistant manager at Co-operative Travel, said: “Our appeal is always a great success and the local public are very giving.

“The refuge is always overwhelmed by the amount of gifts we receive.

“When we looked outside Darlington for a charity, it hasn’t been quite as successful.

“Local people get behind a local charity, so we wanted to continue our work with the refuge.”

Presents can be left at the store until December 18.