KIND-HEARTED youngsters have been helping to collect Christmas presents for disadvantaged children.

Pupils from Langley Park Primary School have been helping those in need by assisting The Salvation Army with their Christmas Toy Appeal.

The pupils have being learning about how some children receive no presents at Christmas and that the gift of giving can be just as exciting as receiving.

A selection of presents were donated by one of the parents from the school and selection boxes from the Langley Park Parish Council which were wrapped in school by the children.

The children then had a ride in a police van to deliver the presents to the Salvation Army in Consett which will be distributed to those in need.

PCSO Debs Waller said: “It was great to get the kids involved in this project because their response to the appeal was heart-warming, they showed real empathy for those less fortunate”

The Salvation Army, Consett Branch have had just over 200 requests so far this year to help families in crisis and this is expected to double by Christmas.

The appeal has been running in the area for almost 15 years to help children and families who cannot afford to buy presents

Organisers ask for donations of new, unwrapped toys so they can decided who send them to.

Anyone who can spare an extra gift this Christmas and would like to donate can visit the Salvation Army Citadel on Sherburn Terrace in Consett.