CHRISTMAS treats for needy children are being collected by independent Darlington travel agents.

For more than a decade, Lindy Kell and Natalie Bell helped to orchestrate an annual Christmas toy appeal run in their former workplace.

Now working independently from home for the Midcounties Cooperative, the pair have launched an appeal to help the town’s neediest families.

In a bid to give children a treat on Christmas Day, they are calling on the public to donate gifts and toys suitable for children of all ages - along with treats for their mothers.

Before Christmas Day, the donations will be distributed between Darlington children’s services, women’s refuge and the children’s ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Ms Bell said: “I’ve got two children and hate the thought of children waking up on Christmas morning with nothing – it breaks my heart.

“Women arrive at the refuges with nothing and we’d like to give them something while the staff at the hospital source any gifts they give the children themselves so we’d like to help them by giving presents to children stuck there over Christmas.

“The people in Darlington are very generous and want to help but often don’t know how – we’d welcome anything, even if it’s just a colouring book or crayons, it’s all better than nothing.”

Donations can be dropped off during business hours at Paul David hairdressers on Duke Street, First Step 2 Fitness on Victoria Road, Hewsons butchers on North Road and Printwell North East on Lingfield Way.

To arrange a collection, call Ms Bell on 07812-076-205 or Ms Kell on 01325 242911.