Appeal for children's Christmas gifts after fire

Children's gifts worth £4,000 were damaged beyond repair in the vehicle fire

Toys and gifts for children worth £4,000 have been damaged in a vehicle fire.

A van transporting the gifts caught fire in Walsall earlier this week, leaving them damaged beyond repair, Walsall Council said.

The local authority is appealing to local businesses for donations of new toys, board games, crafts sets and toiletries, suitable for children aged between five and 16.

"Every child deserves a gift this Christmas, and we don't want them to miss out on a gift because of this incident," said Walsall councillor Stacie Elson.

No-one was hurt in the fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, the council confirmed.

The gifts were in transit as part of the Cash 4 Kids Mission Christmas campaign, which Walsall Council receives support from each year.

"We're appealing to local businesses to see if they can help us replace the toys which have been damaged," Elson added.

"Christmas is a time for miracles, and we're hoping our business community can rally together to ensure no child misses out."

Unwrapped presents can be dropped off at Manor Farm Community Association in Rushall on weekdays until 13 December, a council spokesperson added.