DEPRIVED children in Preston are set for a merry Christmas after one woman's festive donation snowballed into a massive charity drive.

Caroline Liptrott, who works for the Preston-based Benefits Agency inquiry line, had planned to give a few unwanted toys to the Salvation Army, which regularly hand out presents to youngsters who would otherwise go without over the festive season.

But when she mentioned the idea to colleagues at Red Rose House, she was amazed by their response - and soon had more than 150 toys ready to donate.

Caroline said: "I just felt it was appropriate to do something for children this year as it is the last Christmas in the Millennium.

"I asked around to see what people thought and we placed a box in the tea room. That was filled within a few hours and it just took off from there. "We have filled about four boxes and they are all full of toys which are really good. One woman even went out and bought brand new stuff because she didn't have any toys to give."

Caroline handed over the toys to Captain Mike Highton of the Salvation Army in Preston last week. They will distribute the toys to families in need, giving the presents to the parents for them to gift wrap, so they appear to be coming from the parents.

Caroline added: "For some reason, this collection has really caught people's imagination. People who don't even work for us have given gifts, including one woman would turned up with some of the most beautiful dolls you have ever seen.

"It was so touching."

The Salvation Army, based in Walker Street, is still appealing for more gifts, and will be hanging on to some Christmas gifts throughout the festive season in case any last minute calls are received.

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