MORE than 700 children will receive gifts this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of Darlington people.

The annual Salvation Army Toy Appeal resulted in “hundreds and hundreds” of gifts being donated to youngsters who may otherwise wake up on Christmas morning without one.

Business, individuals and groups from Darlington and further afield bought presents for children they will never meet, with the town’s Salvation Army ministers now preparing to distribute them to those in need.

Minister Shirley McKenzie, who took up her role in the town just months ago, said she and husband Marc had been left absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.

However, she said the pleasure at seeing the gifts pile up was tempered somewhat by the need for the appeal, which grew again this year.

The Salvation Army has received referrals for 700 children, a slight increase on last year. Donations of food will also go towards making up the 330 food parcels requested on behalf of agencies working with families struggling to get through the festive season.

Mrs McKenzie said: “There are hundreds and hundreds of gifts and that is because of an absolutely overwhelming generosity.

“It is mind-blowing – we started this appeal just a few weeks ago with a handful of toys and now there’s a room full.

“It is sobering to think that there are people out there who need them – I think some of that has to be down to problems with Universal Credit, which has a knock on effect on families and their children.

“The donations we have received will make a real difference and they have been very thoughtfully bought.”

She added: “We’ve got everything from skateboards to make up and all sorts in between – it’s brilliant and we really do want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has helped.

“It is sad that this needs to be done but the support from those out there is a positive - without that we would not have been able to meet the needs of 700 young people.”