NEEDY children across Darlington can look forward to some Christmas treats this year thanks to the success of a borough-wide toy appeal.

Personal travel agents Lindy Kell and Natalie Bell have helped organise an annual Christmas toy appeal for the last decade and have been overwhelmed by the response from the Darlington public this year.

They received hundreds of toys which are being shared between the town’s women’s refuge, the children’s ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital and the council’s childrens services to go to youngsters in care.

Ms Bell said: “The response has been unbelievable, we didn’t expect it to go as well if I am honest.

“The generosity of people has been above and beyond.”

The pair, who work from home for Midcounties Cooperative travel agent, wished to thank the Darlington businesses that supported the appeal and acted as drop off points.

They were Paul David hairdressers, First Step 2 Fitness, Hewsons butchers and Printwell North East.