LOCAL businesses and charities are coming together over the next week to provide Christmas cheer for underprivileged children.

Blackburn's JJB Sports and fitness clubs have teamed up with the Sure Start charity in order to get people to donate toys and gifts for needy children in the town this Christmas.

Sure Start, based in Preston New Road, helps underprivileged families, and with the support of JJB are encouraging people to donate toys for children up to 16 years old, gift hampers, vouchers and anything which they think will help a local family this Christmas.

And while people can drop off gifts at both JJB Fitness Clubs in Blackburn, The British Heart Foundation Shop and The Clog and Billycock Public House, there will also be a late night prize giveaway in Blackburn Shopping Precinct next Wednesday and Thursday nights.

The gifts must be new, boxed and wrapped and all those who donate will get a free pass to use the JJB facilities.

Leanne Procter, assistant manager at JJB Fitness Club, said: "At the minute we are getting plenty of children's toys, we could do with more for babies and teenagers.

"We approached Sure Start and thought it would be good to help children in the town, it's always better to do something that helps the local community."

Early years and childcare team leader for Sure Start, Tracy Lynch, beleves the partnership will be positive for local chidren.

"It is good because it's making people aware of what's going on in the community and make them come forward to help," she said.

The British Heart Foundation, JJB's official charity, will donate a van a few days before Christmas to enable JJB and Sure Start workers to deliver the presents to families in the town.