A SPARE selection box could help bring smiles to the faces of ill, disabled and disadvantaged children this Christmas.

The Children's Adventure Farm Trust is asking residents to help with their annual Selection Box Appeal, as they gear up for a series of festive parties for children from across the region.

The charity will provide a magical Christmas party for 1,600 children this year, and needs the public’s help to make the day that bit more special.

Each child visiting the charity for a party will be treated to a day of festive fun, including a visit to a Christmas barn to meet the animals, a disco, party games, turkey dinner and a visit to the elves workshop for festive arts and crafts.

The highlight will be a visit to Santa, when the children will each be given a sack full of carefully-matched gifts donated by the charity’s supporters.

They will also be given sweet treats to take home, which is where the charity needs the public’s help. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a selection box, so CAFT is appealing for donations.

The sweet treats can be dropped off at Northwich Fire Station in Braddon Close, or at MBL Accountants in the Bull Ring.

Following the success of last year’s Selection Box Appeal, when almost 4,000 boxes were collected, the charity is hoping for its best ever haul in 2019.

Trust fundraiser Helen Crowther said: “It’s important we make it as easy as possible for people to get involved with donating selection boxes, so we’ve set up drop-off points across the region, including our charity shop in Canute Square.

“Joining forces with our community is the key to what we’re doing at the Adventure Farm, and by working together we can make a huge difference to these wonderful children, who deserve the very best memories of Christmas we can give them.”

With the help of their supporters the charity will provide 43 parties, including four each for 150 children, starting on November 18.

Each child will be given a bag full of gifts to take away with them, which includes a selection box.

Boxes will be given not only to the children visiting CAFT for a Christmas party, but also to others who aren’t able to attend a party.