A CHARITY Christmas present appeal has been launched to help disadvantaged families across Derwentside.

The Salvation Army in Consett is asking people to donate an unwrapped gift for a child aged up to 16 between November 26 and December 7.

The gifts will be sorted by the Salvation Army and distributed at Sure Start centres to families in need of help this Christmas.

Captain Mark Sellers, of Consett Salvation Army, said: "Many children in Derwentside have benefited from the gifts donated to the Salvation Army over recent years.

"We are proud to be working with local agencies this year, to ensure that this is our best appeal to date.

"We look forward to helping as many children as we can to have a better Christmas."

The charity is looking for everything from educational toys, to CDs and toys for older children.

Capt Sellers added: "Please don't forget the teenagers, particularly the boys who sometimes get forgotten.

"While we are grateful for all donations, we believe that every child deserves a new gift and we are therefore unable to accept used or secon- hand items.

"If you have children or grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, think of what they might like in their Christmas stocking and consider buying one extra present and donating it."

People can take their gift to the Salvation Army centre, in Sherburn Terrace, Consett.