Christmas Day will bring a "puzzling" gift for youngsters in Bradford's children's homes.

Catalogue giant Redcats has got the Telegraph & Argus Christmas Toy Appeal off to a flying start with the donation of four hi-tech games players.

The Power Net 2000s, each worth almost £90, are computer-like machines which challenge players with more than 60 testing puzzles.

The generosity of Redcats will benefit four homes which house children aged nine and over, with each home receiving one of the games for residents to enjoy on Christmas Day and in the years to come.

The company stepped in after reading about the T&A's appeal to provide festive cheer for children in care or who need extra help from outside their family homes.

There are currently 57 children in long-term residential care in the Bradford district, and more than 2,000 disabled children who use respite, day and evening care.

The aim is to offer each of them a special gift on Christmas Day.

Bill Oakes, legal director at Redcats UK, said: "We are really pleased to be able to help out in the Christmas Toy Appeal.

"We chose games that would be educational as well as fun and hope that the children enjoy using them.

"Wishing all the children a very Merry Christmas from Redcats UK and all their catalogue brands, Empire,

La Redoute, VertBaudet, The Store and Daxon."

With the Power Net 2000 machines, players can work individually or as part of a team to test their skills in areas such as spelling, maths, vocabulary and strategy skills.

The machine also includes a word processor, databank, calendar and drawings.

Bradford Council's residential services manager Ann Midgley said the Redcats gift would make a real difference to the children.

"It's a fantastic start to the campaign, there are lots of primary school age children and children with learning disabilities that will find this gift a joy," she said.

With such an inspirational beginning to the appeal the T&A hopes readers and more companies will come forward to give a child a gift this Christmas.

Each gift must be brand new and the T&A asks for gifts to remain unwrapped in order to help staff sort the presents before wrapping them up to put under the tree.

Donors are asked to avoid giving toy weapons or second-hand items. Presents for babies should also be avoided as there are no children under the age of five living in the homes.

Anyone wanting to give to the T&A appeal should do so before the campaign closes on Monday, December 20.