AN annual toy appeal launched to ensure several hundred disadvantaged Keighley youngsters get a present this Christmas has got off to a cracker of a start.

Donations of items are already flooding in.

And another organisation has come on board to act as a collection point.

The initiative – which began last week – is being spearheaded by the town's Salvation Army, backed by the Keighley News and Sainsbury's supermarket.

Also adding its support is the Silsden branch of the Skipton Building Society.

Chris Bown, Keighley Salvation Army's community development manager, said she was delighted with the initial response.

"The appeal has got off to a really good start," she added.

"Toys are coming in, including five sackfuls which we've picked up from Radio Aire.

"We're grateful to the building society too for coming forward to offer support.

"We've run the appeal for many years now and the backing from the town is always fantastic.

"People really put their hands in their pockets."

Mrs Bown also thanks Bradford Cinderella Club, which backs the venture by donating selection boxes and money.

The appeal will benefit up to 350 children, who would otherwise receive no presents on Christmas Day.

Donated toys must be new, and should be suitable for children and young people – boys and girls – up to the age of 16.

People are asked not to wrap them.

All the donated gifts will then be sorted, wrapped and distributed to families on December 23.

Children are nominated by Keighley schools, family centres, and agencies dealing with issues such as domestic violence.

Toys can be taken to the Salvation Army, in High Street, between 10am and 2pm Mondays to Thursdays, to Sainsbury's in Cavendish Street or the Skipton Building Society in Kirkgate, Silsden.

Keighley Salvation Army runs a number of services to help townspeople.

It operates a cafe at the church, selling home-cooked food and cakes to the public.

And it offers a hot-meal service on Tuesday evenings to people with no means of cooking their own food.

Anyone wanting further information about the toy appeal can contact Mrs Bown on 01535 603494.