SOLDIERS have done their bit to help ensure that every child in the Tees Valley gets a present on Christmas morning.

The biggest toy appeal in the North-East, the Make a Child Smile appeal, recruited local regiment the Green Howards to help sort thousands of toys.

Charity workers contact headteachers, social workers, doctors and refuge workers to ensure that children most likely to miss out receive gifts to open on Christmas Day.

Gifts for donation should be new, unwrapped and suitable for children ranging from newborn babies to age 17.

Last year, more than 3,500 children across the Tees Valley were given presents through the appeal and the Army had to be called in to help. Anticipating a similar response, the army volunteered to help again.

A spokesman for the charity, which is based at TFM radio, just outside Stockton town centre, said: "Once again, the Green Howards from Catterick Garrison are helping by picking up presents from around the region in time to be sorted and given to children for Christmas. We would like to thank them and absolutely everyone who has contributed or helped so far in this year's appeal."

Presents can be dropped off at TFM/Magic 1170, any Bells Store, any Travelcare, local Vauxhall dealers, WH Smith Stockton and Teesside Retail Park and One Stop Shops in Redcar and Eston.

The appeal closes on Friday, December 17.