Generous response to toy appeal

Nearly 250 needy children will receive presents in time for Christmas thanks to the generosity of the people of Newark.

The co-ordinator of the Salvation Army's annual toy appeal, Mrs Heather Dicks, said they were amazed by the response of townsfolk.

A total of 246 children, from unborn babies up to aged 17, will receive two or three presents each. Every family will also be given a box of chocolates.

People donated toys and money to the appeal, which is now in its fifth year.

Dozens of rolls of festive paper were used today as about 20 volunteers wrapped the presents ready to be distributed to different agencies in the town which have identified needy families.

They include Newark Homestart, the Bridge and Hawtonville Sure Start children's centres, Newark Women's Aid, Newark Family Centre, Nottinghamshire County Council social services, and the Sevenhills emergency accommodation centre for the homeless, run by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Mrs Dicks said: "We're just so grateful to the people of Newark that have donated toys and money.

"People have been so generous. There is no way we could do it without them. It's just amazing."