A BRADFORD Garden Centre is continuing its fundraising drive for Bradford Stories and the National Literacy Trust with an initiative that encourages children to write a letter.

Tong Garden Centre's Christmas Letterbox Appeal encourages children to write their Christmas list and send it to Santa with a special stamp that is being sold to raise funds for the centre's charity of the year.

Of the initiative, Tong's Head of Marketing, Jo Dales said: "The special Santa stamps cost just £2 and you'll be making a difference by helping to improve literacy levels in Bradford as all of the proceeds will go to Bradford Stories, an initiative of the National Literacy Trust."

"This fun festive fundraiser fits perfectly with our purpose of encouraging more children to read and write and we're very grateful to the team at Tong for their ongoing support," said Helen Verity from the National Literacy Trust.

The stamps are available from the reception desk in Grass Hoppers at the Tong Lane centre and children have until December 14 to post their letters.

Bradford Stories is an initiative from the National Literacy Trust and Bradford Council to improve literacy levels in the city by promoting reading, writing, speaking and listening.

In addition to supporting Bradford Stories with writing and reading related activities, the team at Tong aims to raise £10,000 for Bradford Stories. Over £6,500 has already been raised through a series of events including an audience with author Milly Johnson, collecting tins and a sponsored Tour de Yorkshire cycle ride. In addition, 10% of the takings from the Christmas donkey rides will be donated to the cause.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 14 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.