The Salvation Army in Maldon has officially launched its Christmas Present Appeal, which aims to make sure no child is without gifts to open on Christmas morning.

Councillor David Ogg, the town mayor, and charitable partners of the organisation attended the launch at the Salvation Army Hall on Wantz Road yesterday morning (10 November).

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal can contact the Salvation Army directly to bring new and unused gifts to the hall, or bring the gifts to Tesco or Morrison's in Maldon.

Captain Caron Doyle, who leads the Maldon branch with Lieutenant Jonathan Doyle, said: "We're looking for new and unused gifts - think about the gift you would want to give to your child or niece.

"Sometimes, we are short of gifts for babies and older teenagers.

"We also look at what we can offer the whole family and work with the Moat Foundation who supply us with craft packs we can give out with gifts."

She added: "We always get brilliant support and last year the donations from businesses were incredibly generous.

"We've never been short of toys.

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"People in Maldon are so kind and for that we are truly blessed.

"While we are doing more and doing things better, more families need support than ever this year."

You can buy from the Salvation Army's Amazon wish list here.

You can also give directly to the appeal here.