The Salvation Army is appealing for donations of new toys for its Christmas present appeal to help families in the Beccles and Halesworth area struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The charity fears that financial problems will cause more families to struggle to afford the basics over the festive season.

Salvation Army church leader, Harry Woods, said: “Every year we ask people to donate new toys and gifts to our Christmas present appeal so we can distribute them to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift.

"This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis."

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Last year, more than 70 families and 140 children received toys and food hampers through the appeal.

However, the charity has already started receiving requests for support ahead of Christmas this year.

Mr Woods said: “Please support our Christmas Present Appeal to help our drive to ensure vulnerable children in the local area will have something to open on Christmas day.”

Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Church on Blyburgate, as well as several other drop-off points including Tesco Beccles, The Factory Shop in Bungay, and Coopers Hardware Store in Halesworth.

The Salvation Army will distribute the gifts to children and families in the area through their networks and via local groups and social services.

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Mr Woods said: "We have our community carol service on Sunday, December 15, at 6pm at Beccles Salvation Army, Blyburgate, with our brass band.

"Please bring the children along as we’ve spoken to Farther Christmas to see if he can pay us a visit.

"It will be a great festive occasion and we’d love to see you there.”

For more information about the Christmas Present Appeal and ideas about gifts, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal.