The Salvation Army has launched its Christmas Present Appeal to help struggling Chester families.

The charity is asking for donations of new toys to support families who are finding it difficult to make ends meet over the festive season.

Each year, Salvation Army churches request new toys and gifts for children whose families are unable to afford basic necessities.

Last year, the Chester Salvation Army distributed more than 230 gift hampers to families, young adults, and single people.

The church and charity anticipate that even more people will require assistance this year.

Gay Tonks, the Salvation Army church leader, said: "The Salvation Army’s present appeal is an opportunity for people in our communities to embrace the spirit of Christmas and give to families and individuals who have very little.

"We are incredibly grateful for the public’s generosity over the years and hope this year our appeal will be able to bring some respite to those who are struggling the most.

"Christmas is a time when financial worries are brought into sharp focus as the cost of living crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families who can’t afford to heat their homes or put a nutritious meal on the table.

"Helping parents provide a gift for their child not only eases financial pressures, but helps bring the joy of Christmas into their homes."

The church on St Anne Street will be collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys until Saturday, November 30.

They are also accepting toiletry gift sets and hats, scarves, gloves, and socks for young adults.

For those unable to donate a toy but wishing to contribute to the appeal, financial donations can be made via Just Giving.

The Salvation Army will sort and distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through local groups, schools, and social services.

Gifts can include anything from educational toys, bath toys, and books, including learn-to-read books (for babies and toddlers), to dolls and action figures, sports equipment, gloves, scarves, hats, T-shirts, and gift vouchers for older children.

People can also donate through The Entertainer’s Big Toy appeal.

Customers can buy an extra toy to donate when they visit the stores in either Chester city centre or Broughton Retail Park, or shop online at TheToyShop.com.

For each toy donated, The Entertainer will also add a toy, doubling the number for children who might go without.

Each Entertainer store is connected with a Salvation Army church or centre who will collect and distribute the toys as part of the wider Christmas Present Appeal.