HUNDREDS of children in Northwich are at risk of not receiving a present this Christmas, says a town councillor behind a toy appeal.

Cllr Lee Siddall, who represents the Winnington and Castle ward has been working closely with Northwich Community Support on the appeal and has called on residents to help.

He said: "We're attempting to ensure no child in Northwich goes without a gift and selection box on Christmas day and that their family start the day with a decent breakfast.

"We approached 16 local schools who would be best placed to identify children and families in real need.

"Nine have responded and already the need is way beyond what we thought.

"We need 223 toys and selection boxes and 149 hampers.

"It’s a big ask but we are 100 per cent committed to making this happen.

"But we are going to need some help.

"You can drop off toys and selection boxes at a variety of places such as Curtain Magic or my house in Castle but please just ask and we’ll find the best location for you.

"I know it’s cold and miserable outside but that’s ok, you can also donate to our Just Giving appeal.

"I don’t know if you are reading this as you order your kids toys from Amazon and you had no idea that so many kids in our town are likely to wake up to nothing or very little.

"If you can help us in anyway it would be a fantastic thing.

"Primary school aged gifts for boys and girls are perfect and selection boxes of any kind but someone told me they are half price in Tesco with a Tesco card right now."

You can support the Northwich Christmas Toy Appeal via the Just Giving page HERE.