A Blackburn charity, that gives underprivileged children Christmas presents, has issued a plea for donations after a tough year.

Secret Santa, based on King William Street in Blackburn, launched its Christmas appeal at the end of September.

Each year, Secret Santa aims to deliver a sack full of presents to 1,000 Blackburn with Darwen children who live in poverty or are in need of extra help.

The charity need around 7,000 presents to make this happen. 

Managing director, Phil Boulding, said the appeal is being helped by a charity walk and scarecrow hunt, but says the charity still needs help reaching its target and has reissued an appeal for donations to its JustGiving page.

He said: “We need as much help as possible needed.

“We have had some great support with the two ladies that did a mega walk for us from Blackburn to Blackpool recently. There is also a Scarecrow hunt being done for us all of which helps.

“Things this year have been a struggle, if readers could donate funds to help with our purchasing that would help. Anyone who wants to help can also drop off toys at the shop to go into the sacks.

“Our goal is to give disadvantaged, disabled and hospitalised children, across Blackburn with Darwen a Christmas.

“Without what we do, many of the children that we support would get next to nothing to open on Christmas day morning.”

The shop is also accepting donations of selection boxes. Businesses can help by running a staff collection or by becoming a Secret Santa partner.

Phil, who formed the charity in 2017 alongside wife Karen, said: “There is absolutely no way that Secret Santa can complete this Herculean task on our own. This will be our eighth Christmas [organising the appeal].

“With your amazing support, we can do this together.”

Last year, the charity delivered presents to Royal Blackburn Hospital, Ivy Street Community Centre and beyond.

At the time of writing, only £10 has been raised on the charity's fundriasing page.

There is a target of £15,000. 

To donate to the fundraiser visit www.justgiving.com and search 'Iʼm raising £15,000 to to help Secret Santa'.