SWINDON children are set for some extra Christmas cheer, thanks to generous shoppers and families who have donated to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

Today north Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson will deliver the children’s toys and games that had been left in his Orbital Park constituency office.

More than 70 gifts were donated at the office, including board games, hats, scarves and books.

Mr Tomlinson said: “It’s a fantastic appeal and we’ve been really pleased with how generous people have been. The generosity of people in Swindon never fails to overwhelm me.

“A lot of children wake up to nothing at Christmas,” he continued. “These gifts make a world of difference.”

In the town centre, staff at The Savoy, Regent Street, started collecting for the Salvation Army appeal earlier this week.

Liam Stack, manager at the town-centre pub, said: “We’ve already got soft toys, little kids’ action figures and board games. I’ve donated pretty much everything my kids don’t require.”

The collection drive was the brainchild of a member of staff at The Savoy.

Manager Liam, 36, said: “My kitchen manager is doing it at home and he suggested that we could do it in the pub. We thought: ‘why not?’”

The collection box has been well received by the pub’s customers.

“A couple of them have been saying that it’s a really nice thing for us to do,” said Liam. “It’s not something you traditionally see in a pub.”

The father-of-three, who lives in Old Town, said that his family were also supporting the appeal.

“I’ve put in a couple of teddies and some of my son’s old trains.”

“My son is a very conscientious, caring lad. He thought it was a really nice idea to help less fortunate kids.”

The pub’s customers have until December 17 to donate children’s toys and non-perishable foods like Christmas puddings or chocolate towards the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

The Salvation Army’s Val Mylechreest said: “During the festive season, when many are enjoying celebrations with friends and family, others are struggling to make ends meet.

“Our huge team of volunteers in communities across the country will be out delivering your generous Christmas gifts to those who might otherwise go without.”

People can donate toys and non-perishable foods at The Savoy, Regent Street, before December 17. To find out more about the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal visit: http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal.