DISADVANTAGED children are to be given a Christmas to remember after a building firm has donated dozens of gifts.

Employees at Northallerton-based Walter Thompson have been collecting presents and donations for TFM Radio’s Cash for Kids Mission Christmas charity over the past few weeks.

Graham Shepherd, Walter Thompson’s pre-construction director, said he had been amazed at the generosity of employees, families and friends: “We started our collection earlier this year and the response has been truly outstanding.

“Christmas for me is about spending precious time with my family and friends and seeing the children in our lives light up to the magic of Father Christmas having visited and left them a gift or two.

“The thought that some children don’t experience this feeling is heart breaking.”

The team at Walter Thompson will also say goodbye to long-standing employee Alan Martin, 65, after almost four decades of service.

Plant operator Mr Martin is retiring this week and has already enjoyed a festive retirement party with colleagues.

The charity’s Mission Christmas project, which TFM runs in conjunction with Tees Valley Fostering, collects Christmas gifts suitable for children up to 18 years. For more information, go to tfmradio.com/charity/missionchristmas/