MORE children will come down to presents under the Christmas tree this year after Cash for Kids launched its annual toy appeal.

The children’s charity invited foster families and five Mayors to the Teesside Princess in Stockton to mark the start of the campaign.

The appeal helped more than 15,000 children in 2013, but the charity hopes this year will be even bigger.

A Cash for Kids spokesman said: “It is lucky that every year we manage to get more and more toys donated.

“It is hard to even begin to think of Christmas without presents and so people really get behind it.”

The afternoon was described as “fantastic” and “worthwhile” by the Mayors who attended.

Hartlepool Mayor Stephen Akers-Belcher said: “I would really encourage people to support the appeal. The main aim is to try and prevent children waking up on Christmas Day with no gifts.”

Councillor Barbara Inman, Mayor of Stockton, added: “It is so nice for every child to have a present. This has been a really good day and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The campaign is sponsored by Tees Valley Fostering, which is hoping to raise awareness about the benefits of fostering siblings and teenagers.

Cheryl Hayes, 38, from Billingham, has fostered two children since August. She attended the afternoon and said: “I was working in a special needs school and saw so many people that needed help.

“I think the sponsorship is important for awareness. This day has been great as it celebrates what foster families have already done at the same time as the toy appeal.”