A TOY collection for Wilpshire-based Child Action Northwest is being repeated this year, spearheaded by Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Chorley, Rob Loughenbury.

Donations of new toys for younger children and appropriate age gifts such as toiletries and confectionary for teenagers are requested for distribution to local families in crisis.

Following the success of last year’s campaign a number of new partner organisations and businesses have come forward to provide drop off points for presents.

Rob said: “Every child should get something that makes them smile on Christmas Day.

“Please try to buy one extra gift this year and take it to one of our drop-off points.

“Last year we managed to hand over a big pile of gifts – let’s do it again.”

Nicola Terry, creative partnerships manager for Child Action North West, said: “Our Familywise and Jigsaw teams work in schools across Chorley and Leyland where children’s academic progress or behaviour is being affected by difficult situations at home.

“Christmas is a tough time for families where through relationship breakdown, job loss, ill health or some other reason, they are struggling to make ends meet.

“Last year we were able to provide something for children where otherwise they would have received nothing.

“The staff were so grateful that they were able to deliver this practical support and make a difference.’ Drop off Points: Tiny Rockers, Ordnance Road, Buckshaw, The Hub, Buckshaw, Massa’s Ice Cream Parlour, Cunliffe Street, Chorley and Frederick’s Ice Cream Parlour, Bolton Road, Heath Charnock.