Scarborough Christmas Toy Appeal to help 4,000 families this year

Toy Appeal organiser Nigel Wood said: “The service was exactly what it should be, a celebration. We had almost 500 people in Westborough Methodist Church on Sunday night.

“This year we collected more than 40,000 toys, which we estimate will have a value of over £500,000.”

The toys will be delivered to Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Bridlington, Malton, Ryedale and beyond, helping to brighten Christmas for around 4,000 families.

Mr Wood, who introduced the appeal during his stint as president of the Rotary Club, said: “There is a joy in giving. There is so much love wrapped up in all these presents.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody for “Working together to make a difference in our community this Christmas’

“This year we had 73 businesses involved, it has been the most humbling experience.

“I would especially like to thank St Cecilia’s Care Group for providing three vans to transport the toys and six staff to help with the loading.

"And thank you to everybody who has helped to make Christmas so special”