PEOPLE who want to support the appeal can give it an extra boost through the gift aid scheme.

Donors who are taxpayers simply have to fill in a small form and it could swell the appeal coffers even more.

On a donation of £10, the appeal could actually receive £12.82 simply by claiming back the tax paid on the sums to the Inland Revenue.

Appeal co-ordinator Sheila Shaw said: "It actually does bring in quite a lot of extra money, even though it means the person does not have to pay any extra money themselves.

"It could really make a difference to us and we would hope lots of people would be happy to do it."

The gift aid scheme is open to any donations by taxpayers for any charity.

All that you need to do if you are handing in a donation to a Telegraph office is ask for a gift aid form. For more information ring 01254 293272.