IT is that time of year again when the weather becomes colder, the nights get longer and thoughts turn to Christmas.

For many people it is a time filled with seasonal cheer in the company of family and friends.

But for others, Christmas can be a stressful and traumatic time, when domestic violence can rear its ugly head.

That is why the Preston and Leyland Citizen is launching its Tins and Toys Christmas appeal, for the third year running, in support of Preston and South Ribble's women's refuges.

And to get the ball rolling one pensioner has come up trumps with a huge donation of baby dolls and games.

Irene Rimmer, 65, formerly of Park Road, Penwortham, donated a bundle of gifts and knitted dolls' clothes to our appeal last year.

Now she has given us a batch of new children's toys and games including a group of dolls wearing clothes she has spent the last four months knitting, despite moving house to Tarleton, near Preston, at the same time.

And she plans to keep on knitting and donate even more before our appeal comes to an end in time for Christmas.

"I think it's a really important appeal because it's helping children and their mothers. I have grandchildren of my own and would hate it if they were in a situation like that.

"I'm so pleased they'll be going to good homes and people will get enjoyment out of them.

"I can't knit as quickly as I used to but I'm going to keep going so I can get as many done as possible."

Items suitable for our appeal are children's toys, games and books and tinned/non-perishable foods. All we ask is that toys are new and unwrapped and tins are within their sell-by date. Toiletries for the mothers would also be appreciated.

Donated goods can be dropped off at our Winckley Square offices, in Chapel Street, or give us a ring on 01772 255523 and we will arrange for them to be picked up. Local businesses can help too.