Christmas appeal sees thousands of toys donated

Suffolk Libraries and BBC Radio Suffolk's Christmas toy appeal has led to more than 3,800 toys donated

More than 3,800 toys have been donated to a children's Christmas toy appeal.

Suffolk Libraries and BBC Radio Suffolk celebrated the success of the second year of the Be Kind to a Kid Christmas appeal.

The toys were donated by residents and businesses across the county and will be distributed via charities to families.

Communications manager at Suffolk Libraries, James Powell, thanked those who supported the appeal, with Terry Underhill, executive editor of BBC Radio Suffolk, adding the team was "thrilled" with the results.

Wayne Bavin, BBC Radio Suffolk breakfast presenter, came up with the idea of the appeal last year

"Every single toy will be appreciated and hopefully by working together we've made hundreds of children across Suffolk happier this Christmas," Mr Powell said.

"The appeal has also highlighted the work of the many people and organisations across the county who work all year round to support families and children who are facing challenging circumstances.

Mr Underhill added: "To know that 3,800 children will wake up on Christmas morning with a special gift, thanks to the wonderful generosity of everyone who donated, fills our hearts with joy."

The idea came from BBC Radio Suffolk's breakfast presenter Wayne Bavin who approached Suffolk Libraries with the idea of the county's 45 libraries acting as donation points.

Last year's appeal saw 2,500 toys donated with this year's total seeing an increase of more than 1,300 toys.