A TOY appeal has been launched by a children's charity in Northwich.

The Joshua Tree, which helps children suffering life threatening illnesses and their families, is urging people to buy an extra toy gift this Christmas for its support centre.

Rachael Birdsey, family support worker at The Joshua Tree, said: "We're asking people to consider buying an extra toy gift this Christmas for our support centre as we are in desperate need of new play equipment for the 40 local families we currently support.

"It would really make Christmas special for the children who attend our sessions and we’d be grateful for new items only due to the risk of infection for those children attending with low immunity.

"Toys such as playdough and hospital playsets would be particularly useful when we work with the children in expressing their feelings about the experience they are going through."

A full wishlist for the Christmas Toy Appeal appears on the charity website thejoshuatree.org.uk.

Donations can be dropped off at Station House Cafe, in Whitegate, on November 28 and December 5 and at The Lounge, in Oakmere, on December 1.

Toys can also be dropped off at The Joshua Tree's office in Venables Road.